Daniel Ricciardo, who has an exciting history with Monte Carlo, struggled to deliver a strong show in both training sessions on Thursday. The Australian managed the measly P15 in both FP1 and FP2, while his teammate used the power of the Mercedes engine at the rear and ended up almost at the front of the grid.
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So what makes Ricciardo suffer such a massive speed difference? Well, the McLaren driver stated that the Mercedes powerplant would play a vital role in his battles in 2021.
The honey badger expected that the Stuttgart engines are very sensitive compared to the engine of his previous team, Renault.
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Mercedes PU is very sensitive: Ricciardo
In an interview on Thursday in Monaco, Ricciardo pointed out the disadvantages that a Mercedes engine entails. In addition, the power unit is starting to frustrate the 2018 Monaco GP winner.
“Uh, it’s … No, I don’t think so. It’s probably more like entries and just more like auto and balance. Yeah, like I’m not lying, it’s very sensitive, ”he said.
“And that was probably the most frustrating thing. It feels like it takes a certain style to drive it. And if you don’t do that and get it right, like today, it’s just not fast. But yeah, I’m still trying to take care of it. “
After a strong performance in Barcelona, all eyes were on the Australian before the race weekend in Monte Carlo. In reality, however, things have taken a drastic turn for the worst.
In both training sessions, Ricciardo drove almost a second slower compared to his teammate Norris.
Can Ricciardo celebrate a comeback on Saturday?
While Ricciardo’s struggles were evident throughout Thursday, one also has to take into account the fact that he could have run with a much lower engine mode compared to others so as not to forget about the amount of fuel.
With too many factors to consider, things could turn quite drastically for Ricciardo when he arrives in the paddock for qualifying on Saturday.
Formula 1 F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – Daniel Ricciardo from McLaren in action during practice REUTERS / Gonzalo Fuentes
This is also an incredibly important weekend for McLaren amid their battle for P3 against Ferrari. The Maranello outfit has been in top shape since the beginning of this weekend. Therefore, strong race results from them in Monaco could bring McLaren to fourth place on the constructors’ table.
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Will Ricciardo and Norris team up to fend off the formidable Ferrari duo at the Monaco Grand Prix?
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The post Monaco GP: “Sensitive” Mercedes F1 engine leaves Ricciardo frustrated first appeared on monter-une-startup.
