Ricciardo laments 'bleak' qualifying record

Daniel Ricciardo has recognised his need to improve in his qualifying positions, calling his record since the Monaco Grand Prix "bleak" and after a barren spell of no real success, he is hoping to get at least a podium place this weekend in Japan.

In the 2018 Formula 1 championship Ricciardo won two out of the opening six races, but has not even claimed a podium spot in the past 10, and although grid penalties and have played a part, he knows he has to improve in qualifying first and foremost.

"It's been pretty bleak," said the Australian of his recent record which has seen him not qualify in the top five since Monaco.

"I kind of feel maybe I made my own bed in Monaco because I was like 'this is awesome and this happiness will carry me through the rest of the year'. So if there is someone controlling it all maybe they took that literally for me!

"Last year I wasn't that happy with my qualifying and I thought the start of this year I was starting to improve some things. But I haven't really got everything out of it - or maybe Max is just getting a lot better, I don't know.

"I'm not done yet."

It has been confirmed that Ricciardo will leave Red Bull for Renault at the end of the season, but he insists he still wants to taste champagne again with his current employers before he makes the switch.

"I had two big results this year - and that's it. I haven't had any podiums," he continued.

Daniel's putting in the practice in the @astonmartin DBS Superleggera ahead of the #JapaneseGP ???????????? #PirelliHotLaps pic.twitter.com/SBJlLk9lDP — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 5 October 2018

"Take away the wins and there have been no podiums, no seconds or thirds. Normally I don't like seconds or thirds, but I'll take it for sure now to get back on the podium and have a bit of champagne.

"And when I say 'I'll take it', I don't mean I am going to concede to a podium, but it's been a long run without and I'd love one.

"Coming up to next year [with Renault], we're realistic and know it's going to be pretty slim to get one - so at least give me one more! I've got to work for it, but I think we have a good chance."

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