Daniel Ricciardo, former Red Bull driver, shared his frustration over the team‘s strategic choices during the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen claimed victory. The race, held at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, marked Ricciardo’s first outing with Red Bull after replacing Daniil Kvyat mid-season, and despite leading much of the race, he failed to secure a podium finish due to Red Bull’s pit strategy.
Ricciardo, who had qualified ahead of Verstappen, initially took the lead after the Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton faced issues. However, a three-stop strategy enforced by Red Bull contrasted with Verstappen’s two-stop plan, which ultimately cost Ricciardo the win and a place on the podium.
Insights into the Pit Strategy That Altered the Race Outcome
In the aftermath, Ricciardo openly criticized Red Bull’s decision-making, stating that the timing and choice of a three-stop strategy were mistakes that relinquished a near-certain win. He explained how the late pit stops allowed Sebastian Vettel to gain track advantage, forcing Ricciardo to overtake multiple cars on a circuit known for its difficulty in passing.
He remarked on his situation, saying,
“We were leading, it was there for us. And [then] we went to a three-stop strategy, and did it too late as well – Seb [had] already jumped us. So then not only was I required to pass Seb, I had to pass three cars when we know we are down on speed, and it is a hard track to pass.”
—Daniel Ricciardo, F1 Driver
Ricciardo added his belief that the team usually favors the race leader with the better strategy and felt that Red Bull’s approach in this case cost him the victory.
“I thought at the time we were doing it because everyone else was – it didn’t make sense, I thought that at the time. It’s frustrating – normally the guy in the lead gets the better strategy. I think we just threw the win away today.”
—Daniel Ricciardo, F1 Driver
Ricciardo’s Mixed Emotions After the Race
Despite his disappointment, Ricciardo expressed respect for Verstappen’s performance, emphasizing his desire not to appear unsportsmanlike. Speaking to the BBC, he shared his conflicted feelings, acknowledging both frustration and a recognition of his teammate‘s achievement.
“I’m a bit devastated. A big part of me is happy the team are on winning form, but it’s hard to celebrate. To not be on the podium sucks. I will pull the guys aside who I need to ask them what the deal was today.”
—Daniel Ricciardo, F1 Driver
“I don’t want to come across as a bad sportsman. Whatever happened on track, Max crossed the line first. Sure, it is every man for himself, and I’m bitter, but not at Max; he did what he had to do, but I’m bitter at the situation.”
—Daniel Ricciardo, F1 Driver
Ricciardo ultimately finished in fourth place behind Sebastian Vettel, despite having fresher tires in the closing stages of the race. His inability to overtake Vettel underscored the challenges posed by both the track and team strategy.
Following Races and Impact on Ricciardo’s Season
The Spanish Grand Prix disappointment was not an isolated event for Ricciardo in 2016. Just one race later in Monaco, he faced another missed opportunity to win due to miscalculations in Red Bull‘s pit stop strategies. These repeated setbacks frustrated the Australian driver and cast a shadow over his season performance at Red Bull.
Ricciardo’s candid reflections highlight the crucial role of team strategy in Formula 1 and demonstrate how tactical errors can overshadow a driver‘s strong performance. His experience from the 2016 Spanish GP remains an important lesson in team coordination and race management within the sport.
