Ricciardo: For the first time I don’t want the season to end

At the FIA ​​press conference in Abu Dhabi, Daniel Ricciardo spoke about the reasons for the failed performance in Las Vegas, but he hopes that everything will turn out much better in Abu Dhabi. He also spoke kind words about Franz Tost, who is spending his last weekend as team leader of AlphaTauri.

Daniel Ricciardo: “We prepared carefully for the weekend in Las Vegas, so there were no secondary reasons that prevented us from showing good results. But right after the race we managed to analyze something and continued this work today.

I think we have already discovered the most important thing, where the miscalculations were made, although it is clear that everyone on the new city highway experienced certain difficulties associated with the new asphalt surface and low temperatures. It was not easy to achieve normal heating and efficient operation of the rubber – this was precisely the problem.

It seems that our cars slid more than our rivals at the start of the race, but also at the restarts. But since the circuit in Abu Dhabi is more standard, we hope that we can repeat here the speeds we showed in Austin, Mexico and Brazil. In general, I have a confident attitude.

If I summarize the results of the year, I can say that I am finishing it with a piece of iron in my hand! (laughs) Looking back, I admit that I didn’t expect to race this season at all, and I was planning on doing other things. So of course I’m happy to be back in this team and I’m in a good mood. I am fully motivated and hungry for success. Maybe for the first time, I don’t want the season to end as quickly as possible.

I would like to keep racing to keep that mentality, but it’s also good for me to take a break to prepare for next year and that’s what motivates me.”

Ricciardo was also asked what AlphaTauri and Formula 1 as a whole will lose with the departure of Franz Tost, who is heading into his last weekend as team leader from Faenza.

“I would say they will lose a lot,” the Australian replied. “I think during the Toro Rosso days he was everything for the team. I remember our very first conversation in his office, where I walked in with a big smile. In my opinion, he then looked at me somewhat disapprovingly and tried to prepare me for what awaited me. He began to explain that Formula 1 is a serious sport with its own established traditions, and that the world of motor racing is cruel in its own way.

We can say that Franz was open and honest with me, and in this respect he, like Helmut Marock, helped me to become a mature professional a little faster and to develop myself more quickly. He always took part in meetings with engineers, analyzed the results of the races with us, gave some advice and was generally fully involved in all aspects of the team’s work. Leading the team for years was his passion, it fascinated him and I hope Franz can enjoy his holiday next year, although I don’t know exactly what he plans to do.

I have many good memories of him and I can say that it was a great pleasure for me to return to this team and play for AlphaTauri as he prepares to say goodbye.”