Ricciardo reveals reason behind failed Red Bull mission

Daniel Ricciardo insists he is himself "accountable" for failing to do "anything spectacular" as he failed in a bid to return to Red Bull.

Upon joining what was then AlphaTauri in mid-2023, Ricciardo was clear that he was targetting a return to the senior Red Bull team for '25 as he hoped to take Sergio Perez's seat and partner Max Verstappen.

However, Ricciardo has been somewhat overshadowed by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda and is yet to score a points finish in a 2024 grand prix, his five points coming from fourth in the Miami sprint whereas Tsunoda has 19 to his name with one-third of the season now complete.

Red Bull ultimately opted to re-sign Perez on a two-year deal, with Ricciardo also now having to look over his shoulder at RB reserve Liam Lawson - who has indicated he will be prepared to look elsewhere for a full-time 2025 drive if not given one of the four Red Bull-controlled seats.

Reflecting on Red Bull's decision to keep Perez and stop his dream, Ricciardo was honest about his own failings in a somewhat difficult season thus far.

"Miami was great but I haven't really done enough to raise hairs," he told media including RacingNews365.

"To be honest, the mindset hasn't changed. We're fairly into the season now and as I said, I've had one result which I was really happy with and then the others less so, and so I must hold myself accountable for not doing anything spectacular. 

"Obviously when you are trying to fight for a top seat, you know you need to be doing some pretty awesome things. 

"So that's why I say I don't think it will never happen, it is a place I'd love to finish my career, but obviously in the short-term, that is not going to happen.

Focusing on RB

This year's Canadian Grand Prix marks 10 years since Ricciardo's maiden victory, with the Australian determined to put the disappointment of the Red Bull failure aside and repay the faith shown in him by RB.

"I don't think it means anything from a 'that's it' [point of view], I don't see it as I won't get a chance," he said.

"I've had one amazing result in Miami, but then the rest of my season has not been what I expect out of myself, I want my season to go better to really help with any opportunities like that, but I am also realistic. 

"Even though each weekend feels like one step forward, I feel like I want it to be progressing much quicker, but I do think we are taking steps and I still believe I can turn it around, do better moving forward and fix it up and see if I am here next year.

"So mindset-wise, that was kind of an end-goal, but right now, I am here and I need to do well and get some more points and I am happy doing that here. 

"The team has done a good job to help me out with that, so it is just up to me."