The Australians’ lack of pace in Austin remains “a real mystery” for Daniel Ricciardo who actually didn’t come last on the Formula 1 timing sheets. But the reality is that Latifi in 17th, and last place, should not be on the grid so really, 16th was actually last place in this Judge’s humble opinion.

Daniel Ricciardo was at a loss for words on Sunday night in Austin after his poor performance in the McLaren car at the US Grand Prix. McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo crossed the finish line of the US Grand Prix in 16th place on Sunday, as the Australian endured another disappointing weekend with an early exit from Q1 in qualifying on Saturday and a lonely race the following day.

Sixteenth at the end of the race, nearly 40 seconds behind his team-mate Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo was at a loss for words when speaking to the media after the race.

“I don’t know what to say,” 

“Honestly, 2022 is the year it was. I’m so far off the pace that I just couldn’t build on it, I couldn’t push, I couldn’t gain time. To have such a big margin again, it remains a real mystery.”

“I love Texas, I love Austin, but this race itself was not fun for me. When you think things can’t get any worse, eventually they do. I don’t know how I kept going, because painful is a real understatement.”

“I was really hoping that today at a would be better, I really thought that after yesterday [Saturday qualifying] we had a bit more to show, but it was really difficult. I could tell from the start of the race that it would be tricky.”

“We’ll keep our heads up, try to find a way out. Obviously, days like this are quite painful to deal with and understand because we put in a lot of effort but we didn’t get rewarded.”

Ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo is 80 points behind team-mate Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship.

Ricciardo rules out Haas

Recently, team boss Steiner said if Ricciardo was interested in racing for Haas next season, he needed to pick up the phone and have a chat to him about that possibility.

“If he’s interested in us, he’s not shy to call me up. I won’t chase him down,” Steiner told the Associated Press.

“I want him to decide what he wants to do for himself first, before being talked into something.

“I think he’s a good driver and I don’t know how he got in the situation he’s in now, but I think he needs to come clean with himself and decide what he will do.”

For Ricciardo, the move to Haas will not happen when the Australian confirm that he wouldn’t make that move.

“To be honest, no…” said the Australian.

“Everything that’s happened this year with let’s say the McLaren situation, for sure it was hard to prepare for that, but we’ve been putting a plan in place with myself and my team.”