The smile was gone from the face of Daniel Ricciardo after the Australian was denied an almost certain victory in the Monaco Grand Prix by an error from his team during the pit stop cycle.
Ricciardo had led the race from pole position almost to perfection, and was looking favourite to take his fourth victory of his career, but a miscommunication between the pit wall and his mechanics ensured chaos during his pit stop to change to slick tyres that cost him enough time to fall behind Lewis Hamilton.
The Red Bull Racing driver feels the pace he has shown in the past two races should have yielded two race victories, but has been denied by situations out of his control both in Spain and at Monaco when in control of the race.
“On the extremes in the beginning we were quick and I did everything I had to,” said Ricciardo. “I asked a couple of times how the people on inters were doing but they said that my pace was really good on the extremes so we stayed out and that was no problem.
“And then they said “box this lap”. We put the inters on and then we came out behind Lewis. Then when Lewis pitted we tried to pit the lap later to overcut him. It was all prepared and then I came into the pits and there were no tyres.
“I actually hate being like this. I hate being miserable. I got a podium in Monaco. I should be extremely happy, grateful and thankful.
“I’ve been fast now for two races and that’s the positive, but again no win so I’m a little bit sick of being fast and not getting any real rewards. I don’t like being the sad story.
“To end it on a positive note, we are fast in all conditions, which is good.”
