Daniel Ricciardo says he has no explanation as to why he lost half a second in the final sector on his flying lap in Q3, leading to him qualifying down in tenth position.
The Australian described it as his “worst qualifying” since he joined Red Bull last year. Indeed it is, Ricciardo has never qualified lower than 9th since he joined the Milton Keynes team, whilst seventh is his lowest this season.
“I think tenth place must be my worst qualifying since I started with the team, so it wasn’t the best day,” he said.
“I was frustrated mainly in sector 3. In Q1 and Q2 I felt it was my strongest sector, but then in the end we lost maybe half a second or more through there.
“And I don’t really have an explanation for why that happened. I am disappointed with the outcome, as I had hoped to be at least P7 or P8.”
The Red Bull driver is hopeful of a better day on Sunday after positive long runs during final practice, but he’s wary of their straight-line speed disadvantage.
“From the long run I did in FP3 this morning, the car performed consistently and the balance was okay, so we should be okay on tyres tomorrow.
“We are not really quick enough down the straights, so we need a good start and then we will try and do something with strategy.”
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