Daniel Ricciardo "heartbroken" after McLaren power issue derails Styrian fightback

Ricciardo, McLaren, Styria — Photo: © LAT Images

Styrian Grand Prix

Ricciardo "heartbroken" after McLaren power issue derails Styrian fightback

Ricciardo had launched himself into the points after a stellar first lap before dropping back to 13th

Ewan Gale

Sunday 27 June 2021 18:25

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Daniel Ricciardo revealed to being "heartbroken" after a power issue early on in the Styrian Grand Prix derailed his stunning start to the race.

After faltering in qualifying to place pressure on himself as his struggles with the McLaren MCL35M continued, Ricciardo showed exactly why he was snatched up by the team with a blistering first lap which saw him make up five positions.

A sudden loss of power, however, saw the Australian drop to 14th before he was able to retake 13th to finish where he had started at the Red Bull Ring

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"It was such an unlucky race," said Ricciardo. "We went from 13th to eighth. It was an awesome start, an awesome first lap and we put ourselves in such a strong position ahead of a lot of quicker rivals on a medium [tyre].

"We were sitting pretty and then all of a sudden I lost power. So every position and more that I gained I basically just waved them on through.

"We were able to fix it on track, it was a control issue so we were able to get it but then I am back in the mess that I did well to get out of on the first lap.

"Then you are in traffic and you are in a train but honestly, your race is over after that. It is disheartening, that is for sure. Out of our control.

"I look at the positions and I was ahead of [Carlos] Sainz on the same strategy, he finished sixth so I think we could have been sixth. We simply just had that issue."

Ricciardo expects "temperature-related issue

After grafting to ensure his issues with the car were resolved ahead of the Styrian event, Ricciardo added: "It is painful to see all the work undone when you are trying to fix it and everyone is just going past you.

"The weekend obviously went from bad to worse. I am looking forward to getting out of here and coming back next week with a fresh approach.

"It is obviously heartbreaking for me and disheartening but I am not the only one who feels this pain and the race, from lap one after a bad one yesterday, it starts to look really promising.

"I think we could have been fifth and sixth today like we were a week ago [in France] so it could be a lot different but it is not. Luckily we get to go again in a week."

McLaren's Mercedes unit was fixed out on track with no repeat scenario for either Ricciardo or Lando Norris, who finished fifth.

Asked if the issue had presented itself before, Ricciardo replied: "It hasn't. I don't know exactly what it is.

"I know a lot of cars were looking for clear air to get some cooling so it could have been temperature related. If I was to have a wild guess right now, I would say that but I am honestly not sure. We will see what they say. "