“I Know It’s Not My Fault” – Daniel Ricciardo Made up With Max Verstappen Following Pit Lane Drama in Imola

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were involved in a minor pit-lane incident during qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. However, following the culmination of qualifying, the Australian said he had apologized and made up with the Red Bull man.

The incident took place right at the start of Q3. Ricciardo was given the green light to get out of the garage for the final qualifying session; however, Renault made the decision very late.

Thus, it lead to Ricciardo being released right into the path of Verstappen, who was on his way to the track as well. Even though it wasn’t really Daniel’s fault, the good-natured Australian made it a point to say sorry to his former Red Bull teammate.

During an interview with Sky Sports F1, Daniel Ricciardo said, “I just apologized to him.

“I know it’s not my fault. But I kind of apologized on behalf of Johnny, actually. But no, he was cool.”

Going on to elaborate about what exactly had happened, Ricciardo said, “I went to stay tight because I thought he would go. But it looked like I blocked him even more.”

This intriguing event aside, the Australian enjoyed quite a good qualifying session. Unlike his teammate, Esteban Ocon, Ricciardo managed to put his car into Q3. Come tomorrow, the 31-year-old will start the race in P5.

What did Daniel Ricciardo make of his qualifying session in Imola?

Finishing ahead of most of his mid-field rivals, Ricciardo was understandably stoked. What made him even happier was the excellent final lap that he clocked at 1:14.520.

He said, “Yeah that was sick. I’ve got the car in Q3 quite a bit, probably all year, actually. But as far as the Q3 lap, I don’t think I’ve done one as good as that yet. That was my best lap I’ve done so far this year.

“That was the most fun I’ve had in quali for a few races, for sure.”

It was a good way for the man from down under to bounce back from a rather disappointing showing in Portimao. Last week in Portugal, Ricciardo actually had his worst finish this season, crossing the checkered flag in P9.

However, when the lights go out in Imola tomorrow, you can bet that Daniel will be aiming for a lot higher than P9. Could a second podium be in sight for him? We shall soon see.