Daniel Ricciardo rued another race where a lowly starting position cost him the chance of a podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Australian started 11th at Interlagos but found himself on the back of both Ferrari’s and Valtteri Bottas quite quickly, with all four running in close formation for a while.
A decision to stay out longer than those ahead allowed the Red Bull driver to pass Sebastian Vettel and Bottas but Kimi Raikkonen would have enough speed on the straight to deprive Ricciardo third by just 0.4s over the finish line.
“We had the pace but I don’t have any regrets,” the ‘Honey Badger’ said about finishing P4.
“I don’t feel I lost a podium or the team lost it for me. We did everything we could. So, I am not upset about that.
“I just feel like every time we start out of position or at the back, we have a fast car. So it is just a bit of built-up frustration but the race was fun.”
Ricciardo has set the goal of one more podium with Red Bull before he leaves for Renault next year and poor luck has intervened at the past two races to deny him that last taste of champagne.
“I know we were better than fourth but anyway I get one more chance with the team to get up there,” he continued.
“With the pace we had today, I really have some optimism going to Abu Dhabi. I feel that is always a stronger track for us than this is.”