After the summer break concluded in August, Daniel Ricciardo seemed to have found his groove after facing strife in his debut season with McLaren. Although many cast doubts on him, he silenced his critics by claiming his first victory with the British outfit in Monza last month.

Coming into Istanbul this weekend, the Australian carried high expectations to produce another excellent result. However, he endured a difficult end to qualifying in the Turkish Grand Prix earlier today, failing to reach Q2. Following track action on Saturday, Ricciardo summed up his qualifying session.

Daniel Ricciardo explains what went wrong in Turkish GP qualifying

Towards the end of Q1, the Australian put in a decent lap time to reach P8. However, it seemed he timed his lap slightly early, as others behind him could improve to leapfrog him. Ricciardo mentioned McLaren’s attempt to try a different tire set to make the cut. However, he admitted the car still didn’t give him the feeling he desired.

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He said, “With some changes in the pit stop. Putting on the second tire to try help give me a bit more grip. We made quite a big step, but it still didn’t really change the feeling. So, we got to understand a bit with that tire, it was tricky as well yesterday. But, that’s about it.”

Despite the events that unfolded on the Intercity Istanbul Park, the Honey Badger believed pointing figures wasn’t in order. “I think there’s always, when the track’s improving, there’s a bit of timing, I think. Maybe I crossed the line P8, and then by the end I was P16.

“So, being last always helps. But, there was yellow flags and stuff in Turn 1 a few laps. So, you get out of sync. I wouldn’t point the finger ultimately.”

WATCH: Ricciardo Mocks Norris’ Playful Attempt at Ear-Flicking

Can Ricciardo score more points on Sunday?

With Carlos Sainz serving a penalty for changing his engine, Ricciardo will start tomorrow’s race from P15. In the past few races, McLaren have showed the capability of producing real speed, which should aid the Australian progress up the grid quickly.

Since the resumption of F1 after the summer break, Ricciardo scored 45 points in four races. Hence, form shines brightly on the 32-year-old’s side for tomorrow’s race, as he looks a favorite to finish in the Top 10 despite his poor qualifying session today.

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