Daniel Ricciardo took a significant step forward in Montreal, achieving his best qualifying result of the season and following it up with his best race finish. Throughout 2024, Ricciardo has struggled with inconsistency, being out-qualified by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda in seven out of nine races. However, last Saturday, Ricciardo secured the fifth-best time, just after Tsunoda was confirmed for the 2025 season.
Ricciardo attributes part of his improved performance to an open and honest discussion with his team after a disappointing weekend in Monaco. He wanted to ensure there were no unresolved issues and asked for direct feedback on his performance, explaining, “I just wanted to know what the team thought was going wrong and how I could fix it. I also shared my feelings and concerns about the schedule and my energy levels.”
The discussion proved beneficial, with Ricciardo emphasizing the importance of straightforward communication, stating, “At nearly 35, I prefer people to be direct with me.” The conversation led to a productive week and a renewed focus.
Monaco had been particularly tough for Ricciardo, as he failed to deliver in qualifying despite high hopes. This prompted him to seek constructive criticism from his team and inner circle, focusing on managing his energy and mental state throughout the weekend. He aimed to clear his mind and address any lingering issues.
As a result, Ricciardo arrived in Canada feeling motivated and ready to perform. His eighth-place finish in Montreal was his first points-scoring result since finishing seventh in Mexico City, ending an 11-race streak of finishing outside the top 10. This marked a significant turnaround for Ricciardo, equalling the longest run of poor results in his F1 career, which dated back to his debut season with HRT in 2011.
