Daniel Ricciardo admits frustration as Red Bull struggled for second straight year

Perth native Daniel Ricciardo has voiced his frustration over the 2015 Formula One (F1) season as the Austrian-based F1 outfit struggled for the second year in a row. Ricciardo admitted he became discouraged at times because he was hoping that Red Bull would be a top contender for the world title.

Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, Ricciardo revealed that one of the particularly disappointing races of the 2015 F1 season for him was the Canadian Grand Prix where he scored his first ever podium win in 2014. This year in Montreal, Ricciardo finished the race a lap down at 13th place, while his teammate Daniil Kvyat managed to win points after finishing at 9th place.

Despite the frustration, Ricciardo was thankful for great wins this season as he scored two podium finishes (third place at the Hungarian Grand Prix and 2nd place at the Singapore Grand Prix). He ended the season at 8th place behind Kvyat in the F1 World Drivers’ Championship Standings.

“It was definitely a year of some learning and character building, and some maturity as well,” Ricciardo said. “In the majority of the season, I felt pretty solid.”

Ricciardo will remain in Red Bull’s driver lineup for 2016 as well as his teammate, Kvyat. He retains faith in his team, which had previously won four World Constructors’ Championship four times despite its recent struggles.

Meanwhile, Ricciardo, alongside Alan Jones, Jack Miller and Will Davidson, recently headlined the inaugural Perth Speed Fest on Sunday. The 26-year-old thrilled the fans and home crowd with some F1 race action and thanked everyone who came to the event in an Instagram post. Ricciardo said he was happy to come home during the festive activity.

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