“Texas Hasn’t Been Too Kind”: Daniel Ricciardo Groans as Yuki Tsunoda Overshadows US GP Comeback

The 2023 F1 season has not been Daniel Ricciardo‘s year. Amidst tackling some time away from the track, he finally got a second chance. Thanks to the Red Bull group, he got a seat at Alpha Tauri, in the mid-season. However, with the team struggling, injury took away familiarization time with the car. Ricciardo has had a troublesome year so far. Moreover, after a disappointing finish at one of his favorite races, Ricciardo got candid, with his honest insights, as Yuki Tsunoda overshadowed the veteran.

With Ricciardo starting the United States Grand Prix race at the #14 position, he had a lot of room to cover. Unfortunately for him, things didn’t go his way. He finished the race at a disappointing #15 position. Sadly for him, his awesome Texan look went to waste. Amidst all this, Ricciardo was honest about his experience this time around, at COTA.

The US GP insights of Daniel Ricciardo

Following the US GP in the last place is not something that Ricciardo was aiming for. Despite being pushed to the #15 position, thanks to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton being disqualified after the race. Ricciardo has to be a bit disappointed, as during the sprint, he had a considerably better display. Moreover, Yuki Tsunoda managing to earn points only made Ricciardo’s day worse.

Daniel Ricciardo got candid after the race, as he stated, “Texas hasn’t been too kind. At the start, we were doing well with our plan, but the problem was once the cars with blue flags came up behind us, we lost too much. We seemed to struggle in traffic and then picked up some damage later on, so after that, we lacked pace”

Ricciardo’s open admission that how the COTA has not been kind to him says it all. Despite managing to get through lap 1 unharmed, luck wasn’t on his side. The traffic clearly hindered his plan as he couldn’t overtake Kevin Magnussen and the Alfa Romeo drivers ahead of him.

The sprint shootout and sprint at the US GP vividly illustrated the substantial impact that tire degradation would have. Moreover, with the temperature at Austin being quite high, tire management and brake temperature were clearly the talk of the town. Ricciardo’s further insights showcased this, as he stated, “On the medium compound, we were doing the same lap times as Yuki, but because I was on a one-stop, there was a bit more tyre management going on for me.”

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Despite his time out due to an injury at the Dutch Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo still hasn’t lost his racing touch. With his pace being respectably close to Yuki. Alpha Touri’s decision to put him on a one-stop strategy clearly failed. As this wouldn’t work at high temperatures on a circuit like COTA. Tough luck Ricciardo, better times ahead for you!

Can the Mexican Grand Prix be a turning point for Ricciardo?

Amidst tough luck, injuries, and poor team strategy by Alpha Tauri at the US GP, Ricciardo most likely wants to forget the race and move on. With the Mexican Grand Prix up next, a turning point might be on the cards for him.

However, it might not be easy. With Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso slowly getting back to their best form and Williams, Alpine, and Haas carrying considerably better momentum, Daniel Ricciardo will have to do something extraordinary if he wants to score points in such a competitive season.

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Despite the challenges at the US GP, Daniel Ricciardo’s candid insights convey his unwavering determination to make a comeback in the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix. To redeem himself in the face of fierce competition in the challenging F1 season. He will need to make strategic adjustments and significantly improve his performance. And perhaps, securing a seat in Red Bull for the 2024 season.