Why Ricciardo found solace with ninth place in Portuguese GP

Daniel Ricciardo believes the Portuguese Grand Prix has helped him to "understand" the McLaren MCL35M after salvaging points at Portimão.

Ricciardo has struggled for pace in relation to team-mate Lando Norris since switching from Renault over the winter and was eliminated in Q1 in Portugal, leaving the Australian wanting to "break something".

But a strong strategy and improved performance saw the seven-time race winner promoted to ninth by the end of the 66-lap race, leaving him "relatively" happy with the weekend overall.

"I got into the points. I think that was important," said Ricciardo. "I think the objective was even one point.

"The team was saying to try and even just get 10th because that point might do us well later in the season but for me, I am not just racing for one point.

"I managed to get two, better than one. I think it was a productive day, we had a good start, some good battles and I just understand the car more. I leave happier than I did after qualifying so I will take the positives from that."

The Spanish Grand Prix takes place this weekend to complete the first double-header of the F1 season, with Ricciardo hoping for a smoother ride on more familiar territory.

Asked about his expectations, he replied: "Another different story. I think Barcelona should be a bit easier and a bit more like Bahrain where I am able to get up to speed a bit quicker.

"It is a track we are familiar with so things like this, I am not going to expect anything but I hope it should be a bit easier and I can show some true speed."

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