McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo continued to struggle with his new team as he failed to make it into Q3 in Baku. The man from down under has struggled to match his younger teammate Lando Norris for pace in the first 5 races. And that was evident this time around too. But here he only had himself to blame as he scuppered his chance to make it into Q3 by going into the wall in Turn 3. However, speaking post-qualifying, the Australian backs himself to bounce back.

Being an optimist, Ricciardo took heart from a performance he delivered here a few years ago with Red Bull. That time, Daniel had started the race in P10 after a similar crash in qualifying, but he would go on to win the race.

He said, “I’ve put it in the wall in quali here before and that Sunday turned out ok. So, I’m trying to see the glass half-full.” 

Ricciardo may not quite be able to replicate his 2017 performance tomorrow. But nevertheless, starting the race in P13, if he can knick a spot in the top 6, it might as well feel like a win for him. However, it will be a tall order.

Watch Story: When F1 Drivers Had a Blast on Top Gear Featuring Hamilton, Vettel & Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo reveals he is making progress with the car

Daniel’s struggles with the McLaren MCL35-M have been made pretty public. His teammate too has thrown some shade at him for not being as adaptable as a driver as Carlos Sainz was. However, the Australian reckons that he is making some progress.

He said, “I’m making progress. On paper, it probably doesn’t look like it. But I think yesterday morning first session was a step forward and then it’s just about taking the next step again. It’s still tricky, but I’m trying to figure it out. I think this weekend has been better.”

5 races in, Ricciardo has only scored 24 points. He’ll definitely want to add to that tally by the time he leaves Azerbaijan. Can the man from down under pull out a surprise result? We shall find out soon.

Read More: 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: What Kind of Weather to Expect at the Baku F1 Race?