Ricciardo rues 'see-sawing' qualifying performance

Daniel Ricciardo has conceded he was left disappointed with his 'see-saw' Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying performance.

The Australian will line up for F1's season opener from 14th on the grid at the Bahrain International Circuit, three positions behind RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

Many had expected a Q3 appearance from the Faenza-based outfit after a strong pre-season test, closer collaboration with Red Bull and Ricciardo's table-topping run in first practice.

But following qualifying, Ricciardo told media including RacingNews365: "I was disappointed in my position-slash-performance.

"I didn't drop s**t or anything but I never crossed the line being like 'yeah, I did a clear lap'. There was always 'I can make up time' in turn one or turn four. There were always parts of the track where I knew there was lap time and I never really was able to put it together.

"Even if I improved a little bit then I probably would lose a bit in the next corner.

"So it kind of see-sawed a bit, I was never progressively gaining so I feel I wasn't that happy with my session."

RB not disappointed

Despite both drivers failing to reach the top 10 shootout, Ricciardo insisted RB would not be downcast by the performance.

"In terms of the team and the performance, this is kind of where we thought [we would be]," explained the eight-time race winner.

"Ok, I thought there was a bit more time on the table but taking Yuki in 11th, we felt like if we do a great lap then Q3 was possible but otherwise, we are probably around that top-12 area.

"So I think it is where we are for now. We expected a little bit of a steady start to the year so I wouldn't say we are disappointed.

"I'm a bit disappointed in my session but I think as a whole, we're not worried or panicked, I think it's where we would ultimately be. I am disappointed I couldn't find those extra couple of tenths."