Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo: Pierre Gasly stole a point for Red Bull in France

Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo: Gasly stole a point in France

Daniel reacts to his Paul Ricard penalties

Matthew Scott

Thursday 27 June 2019 19:22

Daniel Ricciardo expressed his frustration at receiving a pair of post-race penalties to dump him out of the top 10 at last week's French Grand Prix, saying his Red Bull replacement Pierre Gasly stole the final points paying place as a result.

Ricciardo crossed the line seventh, but was classified 11th after he was hit with a pair of five-second penalties for leaving the track while passing Lando Norris and Kimi Raikkonen respectively on a frantic final lap at Paul Ricard.

The Renault driver took particular exception to the penalty accrued for his moment with Norris, suggesting that he had been punished for both moments in order to take him out of the top 10.

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Ricciardo had comfortably dispatched of Gasly around the pit-stops in Le Castellet, and the Frenchman's race was summed up as "disappointing" by Red Bull boss Christian Horner, speaking before his elevation to 10th had been confirmed.

And Ricciardo twisted the knife somewhat, with Gasly's performances coming under increased scrutiny, saying that he had not deserved to score from his race.

"I certainly feel two [penalties] was harsh," Ricciardo said of his sanction. "I get one, and get why they needed to do one because otherwise it is like...he is off track and everyone is going to complain, what are the rules for?

"Whether I feel it enlightened the race or not, I think the one was slightly inevitable if I am really honest.

"But two, I just thought to drop me out of the points I thought it was too harsh. With the one I would have dropped already to 10th, so give me one point for trying!

"I've nothing against Gasly at all, but he wasn't in our battle at all, and he kind of steals the point. I didn't think that justified it. But it is all good...I got over it pretty quickly."