‘What on earth has happened?’: Ricciardo has another absolute shocker

Racing fans are becoming increasingly convinced Daniel Ricciardo is finished as an F1 force after another horror day.

Daniel Ricciardo endured another frustrating grand prix. (Photo by Peter J Fox/Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo finished 13th in the British Grand Prix overnight Sunday – as only 14 cars finished the race.

Ricciardo endured another frustrating day as his McLaren teammate Lando Norris finished sixth behind breakthrough race winner Carlos Sainz.

After starting in 14th position on the grid, the Aussie did well to avoid the carnage created by Zhou Guanyu’s terrifying crash on the first lap.

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He worked his way up to ninth at one point but – as has been the case often this season – was then plagued by issues outside of his control.

A DRS failure and an extra pitstop cruelled his chances of finishing in the points – something he’s managed to do just twice in 10 races this season.

“Firstly, I’m glad to hear the drivers are OK after that first lap incident,” Ricciardo said post-race. “For our race, the car just didn’t really seem to operate at the same level of grip as the others. I could just feel it through the tyres as well, trying to carry speed.

“It was just a bit odd, so we have a bit of investigating to do. Then we had an issue with DRS which meant I couldn’t use it after lap 31 which was also a bit of a shame.

“Obviously, it’s tough to overtake with that as well – but simply we weren’t really quick enough anyway today. It was a bit of a lonely afternoon.”

But many racing fans were also pointing the finger at the former Red Bull ace – who had blamed himself for a poor qualifying session.

What on earth has happened to Daniel Ricciardo. #BritishGP#F1

— Ben Ames (@BenAmesWx) July 3, 2022

All this is happening and Daniel Ricciardo can't even pass the Canadian failsons.

I'm a broken man.

— Brendan Darr (@BrendanDarr) July 3, 2022

Ricciardo failed to make it through to the third qualifying session after making an error on his best opportunity to record a quick lap in Q2.

“The lap I needed to do when the track was at its best in Q2, I went wide in turn 13 … without that I could have got into Q3,” he admitted.

“Was I still quick enough? Probably not, still probably a bit off the pace. There’s been a little bit missing … there’s not really an explanation or a reason.

Daniel Ricciardo congratulates winner Carlos Sainz. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

“I’m still trying to figure it out, some things were on me, the mistake was on me, without that would have been good enough for Q3.

“But then how deep would I have got into Q3? I’m not sure. It was a bit scrappy, less clean, and I would say that’s more on me.”

Daniel Ricciardo’s 2022 season

Bahrain – 14th

Saudi Arabia – DNF

Australia – 6th

Emilia Romagna – 18th

Miami – 13th

Spain – 12th

Monaco – 13th

Azerbaijan – 8th

Canada – 11th

Great Britain – 13th

We go again next week in Austria, DR. 👊 pic.twitter.com/o3fopzRgdA

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 3, 2022