RB driver Daniel Ricciardo has outlined how he’s not allowing “negative stuff to creep in” amid criticism over his struggles at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Amid his ousting from McLaren at the end of 2022, Ricciardo was handed an F1 reprieve with Red Bull’s sister squad last year and maintained his place for this term.
However, the Australian has qualified behind RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda in each of the first three rounds and is still waiting to register his first point of the campaign.
Prior to last weekend, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said Ricciardo must find “something soon”, while 1980 F1 champion Alan Jones argued he was now past his best.
But Ricciardo insists that he remains upbeat that he will overcome his recent issues, citing that he’s not listened to negative comments targeted at his performances.
“I came into this weekend really, honestly, deep down believing we were going to have a very, very good weekend,” Ricciardo admitted post-race.
“And in terms of the noise, people tell me, in the media, like so and so said, and it’s the first I’ve heard. It’s obviously no disrespect to you guys.
“I know that I’m on this little process or journey at the moment, and I just need to focus on myself. If I let any of the noise in, it’s going to kind of distract me from the path I’m on.
“I think it’s been really good, I haven’t let any of that maybe negative stuff creep in.”
Ricciardo, who’s declared his ambition is to return to the Red Bull seat he vacated at the end of 2018, has conceded surprise at not hitting the ground running this term.
“I also understand that I didn’t expect to start the season like this,” he added.
“Budapest last year, I drove the car a day before and out-qualified Yuki and had a really strong race with no knowledge.
“Having a full pre-season and all that, and all the races last year, I honestly thought that this year, we would start a lot stronger.
“There is that, which I understand not only me but a few people are wondering why. I think the important thing is that I stay on course, it’s not that my head is filled with nonsense or anything.
“I honestly feel good, and just unfortunately the results haven’t made me feel awesome, but deep down behind the wheel, I do feel good and excited. I just want to keep racing.
“I’m sure I’ll find a bit more in myself, and I still believe maybe we’ll find a little something on the car.”
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