Daniel Ricciardo has declared himself surprised by his weak start to the 2024 Formula 1 season but denied he is distracted by critics of his performance.
Ricciardo has been out-qualified by teammate Yuki Tsunoda at all three rounds so far, failing to qualify higher than P14.
Tsunoda opened RB’s points-scoring tally in Australia by finishing seventh while Ricciardo was 12th at the chequered flag.
The Australian's performances compared to the Japanese driver have drawn criticism amid his quest to return to the front-running Red Bull squad next year.
Ricciardo, however, has asserted that he is paying no attention to those questioning his abilities.
“I know that I'm on this little process or journey at the moment,” Ricciardo told media including RacingNews365.
“I just need to focus on myself. I think if I let any of the noise in, it's going to distract me from the path I'm on.
“I think it's been really good I haven't let any of that negative stuff creep in.”
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Ricciardo 'didn't expect' weak start
Ricciardo made his F1 return midway through last year’s campaign and impressed en route to being retained for 2024.
The 34-year-old conceded confusion over his weaker performances this year despite having more preparation compared to last season.
“I didn't expect to start the season like this,” he said. “Budapest last year, I drove the car a day before and then out-qualified Yuki and had a really strong race with no knowledge.
“Then having a full pre-season [this year] and all the races last year, I honestly thought that this year, we would start a lot stronger.
“I understand, not only me, but a few people are wondering why. The important thing is that I stay on course, not that my head is filled with nonsense or anything.
“I honestly feel good and just, unfortunately, the results haven't made me feel awesome. But deep down behind the wheel, I feel good.”
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