Red Bull “came alive” after wing change, says Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo says his Red Bull “came to life” in the Chinese GP after he added front downforce with a wing adjustment at his second pitstop.
The Australian struggled for front grip in the first part of the race, during which he was caught and passed by both teammate Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
After the change the Australian was much more comfortable, and was able to reel in Verstappen and chase him to the flag. However once stuck in the Dutchman’s dirty air he couldn’t make further progress, Verstappen himself struggling behind Romain Grosjean’s Haas which was a lap down.
“That first stint was frustrating,” Ricciardo said.
“We just couldn’t keep on top of the front tyres, we killed them quite quickly and kind of got eaten up by the others. I was trying to hang on, obviously, but I don’t think I was a fight I was ever going to come out winning.
“The second pitstop allowed us then to make a change. It came to life. We gave it some front wing, got the front tyres working, and we were a lot of quicker.
“We got close to Max, and then we put ourselves in his position, struggling with the grip. It’s frustrating to be there, but not close enough to pull off the move. Close but not close enough, so we’ll move on.
“I’m happy to have completed the race and gone through the motions, I’m satisfied with that.”
Earlier Ricciardo had provided one of the highlights of the race when he touched wheels with Vettel as pair battled for position.
He later joked that he initiated the contact on purpose to provide a little excitement.
“I was honestly a bit bored so I just thought let’s bang some wheels and get the crowd excited!,” he joked.
“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t intentional, but I knew there was no harm done. A little bit of a smoke for the fans.”
Previous article
Five things we learned from the Chinese GP
Next article
Chinese GP: Issue #5 of GP Gazette now online
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Event | Chinese GP |
| Location | Shanghai International Circuit |
| Drivers | Daniel Ricciardo |
| Teams | Red Bull Racing |
| Author | Adam Cooper |
How Do Drivers Stay Fit For F1 Grand Prix?
Ronnie Peterson and Jochen Rindt Tribute
#ThinkingForward with Juan Pablo Montoya
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says Nigel Roebuck.
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Is Formula 1 as good as it has ever been now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Nikita Mazepin’s Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix lasted mere corners before he wiped himself out in a shunt, but his financial backing affords him a full season. Back in 1993 though, Marco Apicella was an F1 driver for just 800m before a first corner fracas ended his career. Here’s the story of his very short time at motorsport’s pinnacle.
How Raikkonen's rapid rise stalled his teammate's F1 career climb
Kimi Raikkonen's emergence as a Formula 1 star in his rookie campaign remains one of the legendary storylines from 2001, but his exploits had an unwanted impact on his Sauber teammate's own prospects. Twenty years on from his first F1 podium at the Brazilian GP, here's how Nick Heidfeld's career was chilled by the Iceman.
The nightmare timing that now hinders Mercedes
Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton took victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix despite, for a change, not having the quickest car. But any hopes of developing its W12 to surpass Red Bull's RB16B in terms of outright speed could not have come at a worse time.
How Verstappen's Bahrain mistake can only make him stronger
Max Verstappen lost out to Lewis Hamilton at the Bahrain Grand Prix by a tiny margin, slipping off the track just as victory was within his grasp. But the painful lesson from defeat can only help Verstappen come back even stronger
