Ricciardo admits he took Brown's public criticism as a compliment

Daniel Ricciardo says he took Zak Brown's criticism as a "roundabout way of a compliment" after his McLaren boss spoke publicly of the Australian's poor performances. Ricciardo has only scored points twice this season, in Australia and in Azerbaijan, while younger teammate Lando Norris has scored points in six of his last eight races. Speaking on the Australian's performances this season, Brown told SkySportsF1 : “Short of kind of Monza, and a few races, it’s generally not kind of met his or our expectations. “I think all you can do is keep working hard as a team, keep communications going, keep pushing and hope whatever’s not kind of clicking at the moment clicks here shortly.”

Ricciardo: Brown believes I can do better

Ricciardo, who scored an improved eight-placed finish last time out, has now admitted that he took Brown's criticism as a sort of compliment, from a boss who he says only expects good results from a driver of his talents. "I know the team cares about me and therefore there is an expectation as to where I can perform and where my ability lies, so with Zak's comment, I am well aware of how I am doing," he has told PA ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend. "I take it as a roundabout way of a compliment because he also believes I can be doing better. "I am my biggest critic and I don't take that stuff to heart. A bit of pressure is good. It is not something I take personally or negatively."