McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo says a Q1 exit is a driver’s “worst nightmare”, as he was left in shock over his early qualifying departure at Portimao on Saturday.
The Australian failed to advance out of the opening stage of qualifying and is set to take the start of Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix in 16th.
Reflecting on the session, Ricciardo states he failed to produce a clean lap during Q1, citing issues such as traffic and playing catch-up on his best attempt.
“A big disappointment. I’m still in a little bit of shock,” Ricciardo said. “And how the session went, to be out in Q1, it is your worst nightmare as a driver.
“The Medium [tyre] at the beginning of the run was okay. We just did not get a clean lap, and then the Soft was just messy. Already into Turn 1, I did not feel that I was helped with some traffic, and then the end of the lap just trying to hang onto the rear of the car.
“[I] just did not really get going from the start of the lap, and probably trying to play catch-up at the end meant a lot of mistakes. So not a good one.
“I am certainly still trying to get out of, let’s say, a little bit of an old style, so I’m still quite conscious about how I approach every corner.
“It felt like yesterday I made a good step towards that. I certainly felt comfortable yesterday, or more comfortable than a couple weeks ago, so that is why to be standing here now is pretty dark.”
Looking ahead to the race, Ricciardo is adamant he will enjoy a more positive day, with McLaren’s long-run pace from Friday placing it towards the head of the midfield pack.
“Tomorrow, I do not want to guarantee, but I’m convinced that it is going to be better,” Ricciardo said. “A lot of work ahead now, to be starting where I am, and just try and put it behind me.
“It is a session I do not want to think about too much, and just try and focus on the race now. A tough one, a really tough one to deal with.”
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