Ricciardo frustrated to miss out on fourth after 'Monza-style Q3'
Ricciardo showed improved pace for McLaren in Spain
Daniel Ricciardo believes he could have qualified fourth for the Spanish Grand Prix had he not "ran out of time" for his final flying lap at the end of the session.
The Australian turned in a vastly improved performance to claim seventh on the grid at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and out-qualify team-mate Lando Norris.
Ricciardo, however, was unable to launch a final attack on the top five due to traffic and with Norris also experiencing a roadblock at the final chicane in Q1, the situation was likened to the scenes on show at Monza in 2019.
"It is what could have been because on the last run we ran out of time," Ricciardo told Sky Sports F1. "It was a little bit of a Monza scenario from a couple of years ago.
"I think it was only a tenth to fourth and a tenth is always there, especially when I am still trying to get on top of the car but nevertheless, a much better day. Happier, even from yesterday and progress means positivity."
Ricciardo has been made well aware of the incubation period experienced since his move from Renault over the winter and is pleased to finally relieve that pressure.
"It is funny, the narrative has been that I have taken time to get up to speed and all the while Lando has been driving exceptionally well," he added.
"These two factors have been challenging so from that note it has been a more positive day."
Related
More F1 news
Latest F1 news
Recommended by the editors
Max Verstappen
Racing chief wants Ricciardo and Verstappen dream team
Off the track
F1 Store Editor’s Picks: Best merch worn by Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and all your favourite drivers
F1 News & Gossip
Mercedes mock Kim Kardashian over controversial F1 Monaco Grand Prix incident
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton claims Ferrari are 'one million times better'
Races
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2026
-
Grand Prix of China 2026
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2026
-
Grand Prix of Bahrain 2026
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2026
-
Miami Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix du Canada 2026
-
Grand Prix De Monaco 2026
-
Gran Premio de Barcelona-Catalunya 2026
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2026
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2026
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2026
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2026
-
Dutch Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2026
-
Gran Premio de España 2026
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2026
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2026
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2026
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2026
-
Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2026
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2026
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2026
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Editorial & corporate information
Avenue HQ
10–12 East Parade
Leeds
LS1 2BH
United Kingdom Regional correspondence
View contact page