Ricciardo looking for “more intelligent” racing

Ricciardo’s race began to unravel when he was hit by Nico Hulkenberg on Lap 42, before being involved in another clash with Carlos Sainz Jr late in the race.

The incidents left the Australian clearly unimpressed.

“I didn’t really feel like any of them were my fault, but it sort of spiralled downwards from there,” he said.

“I don’t want to single them out, but some of the young guys are a bit too excited. The big one is when they move on braking; you don’t have to squeeze the guy once you’ve started braking.

“By that stage, you lock a brake and you’re out of control. I think they can be a bit more intelligent next time.”

Leading just like old times

Ricciardo was, however, buoyed by being able to keep up with the Mercedes drivers early in the race in the mixed conditions, and said leading a race on genuine pace was a good feeling.

“It felt good. It felt like old times,” he said.

“It was looking fun at the beginning, a good four-way battle. To see the Mercs not getting away was awesome.

“I would say I came on a bit stronger towards the end of the inters stint. Once I got the lead it felt we were able to control it. But it didn’t last long, then it dried up and that wasn’t really what we were after.

“We really struggled in the dry conditions, especially on the re-starts. Once we’re in the pack, with our straight-line speed we’re sort of vulnerable to getting swallowed up.”