Daniel Ricciardo was involved in two accidents during the United States Grand Prix, neither of which he believes were his fault, blaming the “young guys” for being “too excited”.
The Red Bull driver had led the race at one point and looked to have the measure of the Mercedes in the damp conditions. However with the track drying, his pace wasn’t enough on the slicks and he dropped back before contact with both Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz sent him to the very back.
“I didn’t really feel like any of them were my fault, but it sort of spiralled downwards from there,” he explained.
He’s called on them to be a “bit more intelligent” when battling for position.
“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.”
The Australian did however enjoy being at the front again, but rued the drying conditions which cost them a potential win.
“It felt good. It felt like old times,” he added. “It was looking fun at the beginning, a good four-way battle. To see the Mercs not getting away was awesome.
“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.”
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