Ricciardo frustrated by surprise lack of pace

Daniel Ricciardo was left to rue a mystifying lack of speed as he missed out on a podium at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The Australian was in contention with the front runners in the early laps before sliding down the order as he struggled for outright pace.

A switch to soft compound tyres on lap 15 saw him climb back up the order, but he was unable to match his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, who went on to finish second.

Ricciardo was forced to make a second stop for ultra-soft tyres in the closing laps which saw him claim fifth at the flag.

The 27-year-old admitted he struggled for speed in unexpected areas of the track which severely damaged his race.

“I think for the team it was a really good day. We didn’t expect to be on the podium here in Austria,” said Ricciardo.

“Obviously I wish I was up there with Max, but from my side the race was a bit disappointing.

“At the beginning we seemed to get passed before Turn 8 which is not normal, so that was a bit frustrating but then once it settled we just weren’t quick.

“I was obviously trying to push on the tyre and then get what I could out of it.

“It seemed we could hold the pace, but then when everyone was improving and getting quicker and quicker we were just getting slower and slower.

“For now I just want to understand why and look into it. If there are things I need to do better, then I will make sure to figure that out.”

In contrast, Verstappen managed to make a one-stop strategy work as he nursed home a set of softs for 56 laps to score his second career Formula 1 podium.

“I expected P3 but P2 is great, it is a bonus. I think the whole race was good,” said Verstappen.

“We are losing on the straights but through the corners I think the car was performing really well.”