Engine starter issue to blame for Ricciardo's exit from Miami qualifying
Daniel Ricciardo's poor performance in qualifying for the Miami grand prix was due to an issue starting his engine, according to McLaren.
Daniel Ricciardo on Saturday in Miami. (McLaren Racing)
While teammate Lando Norris was able to qualify eighth for the inaugural Miami race, Ricciardo was knocked out in Q2 and will start the grand prix in fourteenth.
Team Principal Andreas Seidl said the team should have been able to have both cars into Q3.
"I think on Lando’s side we maximised what we had to finish P8," said Seidl.
"Unfortunately, on Daniel’s car we had an issue causing a delayed engine start for the final run of Q2."
"He was forced to do a very fast out-lap which compromised his final shot and didn’t allow him a chance of progressing into Q3, for which we can only apologise."
The Australian had been tenth-fastest in Q1, with McLaren's times in practice suggesting overall improvement over the weekend.
“The session started good in Q1," said Ricciardo.
"I think we made some good improvements to the car."
"So, that was certainly better, and I felt like we were just able to get into it quickly."
"At the time I thought we were relatively quite strong, so yeah, it felt good."
"In Q2 it started, unfortunately, to unravel a bit."
"The first run we lost a lot of time through the second sector, so there were a couple of things which we were looking to address for the second run."
"But then we had an issue in the garage starting the car which delayed us getting out at the right time."
"This compromised the out-lap, and then it was all just too compromised from there."
"It was unfortunate and cost us Q3, and that was that."
The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix gets underway at 5.30am on Monday (AEST).
