Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo has backed away from accepting responsibility for the first corner accident that ruined his Mexico City Grand Prix.
Starting from seventh on the grid, Ricciardo made a great getaway and looked set to slot into fourth at the first corner, but tagged polesitter Valtteri Bottas.
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The contact left the Mercedes facing backwards, while Ricciardo lost his front wing. Both drivers had to pit at the end of the first lap, putting them at the back of the field.
Speaking immediately after the race, and before he’d seen a replay of the accident, Ricciardo said he’d apologise to Bottas for the contact.
But with the benefit of time to study what actually happened, the McLaren driver has changed his tune.
“My memory of Turn 1 was that obviously I had a very good start, and it was looking pretty good,” said Ricciardo.
“I went to the inside of [Sergio] Perez and I do remember locking at one point. Replaying it in my head over the next 70 laps, I thought I locked and went up into Valtteri. So I was kind of obviously kicking myself.
“But then looking at the replay, it looked like I locked in the straightline phase and then actually recovered before turning in. And it looked like there was just not enough room.
“Obviously Valtteri came across, probably expecting to have a bit of clear track, and then there was Perez and me. So I don’t really blame Valtteri, obviously.
“I’m the one that hit him. But honestly, looking at the replay, I just think it’s a first lap incident and a matter of maybe me being optimistic.”
Ricciardo wasn’t penalised for the incident, although Sky’s Karun Chandhok reported that he spoke to a couple of Mercedes engineers who were “livid” the Australian wasn’t sanctioned.
Bottas, who had started from pole, saw the opportunity for a possible podium go begging. With a switch to Alfa Romeo already confirmed for 2022, it’s likely to be one of the last times the Finn has the chance to run at the front of the field.
“He really ruined my day but I am sure he didn’t do the hit on purpose,” the Mercedes driver said.
“It compromised his race as well but it was not ideal.”
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