Ricciardo discloses 'biggest frustration' since F1 return

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed his “biggest frustration” since returning to the F1 grid is his inconsistent performances.

After departing the McLaren team at the end of the 2022 campaign, Ricciardo was brought back to the grid at the sister Red Bull team midway through last year.

Ricciardo was retained for another season at the rebranded RB squad however his future beyond the ongoing campaign is currently unknown.

Team-mate Yuki Tsunoda has already been locked down for next year after a positive opening half to the season.

Ricciardo has struggled to match the Japanese driver's pace this year, scoring a best result of eighth at the Canadian Grand Prix.

With a run to ninth in Austria being his only other point-scoring finish this season, Ricciardo admits he is ruing his lack of consistency.

“[It’s] my biggest frustration,” he told Formula1.com.

“It’s a frustration because I look at myself in the mirror and say I can do this very, very well so how do I make sure I do it consistently? Because if I do, I’m laughing. But it’s more positive than negative.

“There will be a day when I won’t be able to do it as good, but I’m much rather have these sporadic good days that it shows I’ve still got those capabilities to do something great – and then it’s up to me to unlock it more often.”

Ricciardo understands performances will decide future

Ricciardo believes he has improved his form compared to the early stage of the season, pinpointing he is leaning on others more to boost himself 

“For example, one [thing I’ve changed] – when I got back in last year, I decided to do things on my own for a bit, do my training,” he said.

“I felt I had been doing it long enough and felt I knew what I need. It worked for me a little bit.

“But now I’ve started more full-time working with Pyry [Salmela, Ricciardo’s performance coach]. He’s always been at track with me since I got back, but I’m utilising his expertise a bit more.”

When asked if his performances will be the ultimate deciding factor for his future, Ricciardo said: Yes, I believe so

“And that’s what I’m telling myself. I don’t see any other reasons.

“The sport is so competitive now. Yes, there’s marketing and other things involved in this sport/business. But at the end of the day, the stopwatch doesn’t lie – and that’s my best way to keep doing this for longer.”