Daniel Ricciardo "sweated out anger" of McLaren engine issue

McLaren

Ricciardo "sweated out anger" of McLaren engine issue

Ricciardo lost valuable points last weekend

Ewan Gale

Thursday 1 July 2021 18:00

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed how he "sweated out" the anger of the engine issue that led to him forfeiting places in Sunday's Styrian Grand Prix.

After making up five positions on the opening lap, a sudden loss of power from the Mercedes engine in his McLaren resulted in the Australian dropping to 14th before he was able to retake 13th to finish where he had started at the Red Bull Ring

It was the latest setback for Ricciardo whose form has been on and off since joining the team during the winter break.

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Reflecting on what unfolded and what he has done to overcome his 'heartbreak' at the time, Ricciardo said: "I am very passionate and therefore I do get very emotional.

"So Sunday, I was pissed. Of course, the race actually started well and I was behind George [Russell] and then it all kind of went backwards for me.

"It looked promising for both of us and got away from us very quickly and I believe through no fault of our own but that is racing. Sunday night, for sure I was a little bit down and it is just not the atmosphere you want to go out and have a good one.

"Ultimately, I woke up Monday morning, I sweated all the - whatever you want to call it - anger and toxins out of my body. I was in the sauna for a while and then I felt pretty good and then it is all eyes ahead for this weekend."

Ricciardo to throw caution to the wind in Austria

The next round of the championship completes the Austrian double-header, giving Ricciardo an instant chance to gain redemption and score vital points for McLaren in the race for third in the constructors' standings.

Asked what his mindset would be for the upcoming weekend, Ricciardo replied: "I was going to swear again because I have an approach in my mind but it involves a swear word.

"It is really just go for it and obviously there are still things to learn from last weekend but ultimately, have confidence in what we have learned and drive the car, drive it hard and drive it with authority and I think it will come."