Ricciardo's emotional Singapore Grand Prix
Monday, 23 September 2024
The Australian driver's performance was significantly impacted by unexpected tyre issues
Daniel Ricciardo faced a tough outing at the Singapore Grand Prix, finishing 18th after starting from the back of the grid. Despite the challenging position, the Australian driver managed to secure the fastest lap of the race and was voted Driver of the Day by fans.
The Visa Cash App RB team knew they had to take an aggressive approach with Ricciardo's strategy after a disappointing qualifying session. Starting on soft tyres, they hoped to create opportunities for overtaking, but the notoriously difficult Marina Bay circuit proved challenging for making passes.
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Ricciardo's race was a testament to his perseverance. "It was a tough race," he admitted. "After qualifying out of position yesterday, we knew we had to try something with our strategy. We went aggressive at the start on the soft tyre and looked for an opportunity."
The Australian's stint on medium tyres showed promise initially, but he struggled when battling with Pierre Gasly. The team's pace deficit compared to their direct competitors became evident as the race progressed.
Despite the setbacks, Ricciardo remained determined throughout the race. "We were in a position to go for the fastest lap at the end, and it was nice to secure this," he said. This achievement, coupled with being voted Driver of the Day, provided a silver lining to an otherwise challenging weekend.
Team Principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged the improved performance compared to recent races but emphasized the need for further progress. "This was a better performance overall than in recent races, but not good enough for points," Mekies stated. He also hinted at the possibility of this being Ricciardo's last race, explaining the team's decision to give him a shot at the fastest lap.
Looking ahead, the Visa Cash App RB team is focused on preparing for the final part of the championship, which includes two upcoming triple headers. With the competition tighter than ever, they're determined to give their best effort in the remaining races.
Daniel's Grand Prix by the numbers
- Qualified: 16th
- Race: 18th
- Fastest lap: 1:34.486 on Lap 60
- Points this event: 0
- Points this season: 12 (14th in world championship)
