Ricciardo disgusted by Stroll attack: 'Maybe I should have blocked him'

How far can the leitmotif “Let them race”, advocated by the governing bodies of the Formula 1 since a year ? The attack of Lance stroll (Racing Point) on Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) on the penultimate lap of the 2020 Styrian Grand Prix for the gain of sixth place raises this question.

Particularly offensive, the Canadian dove inside the Australian then missed his rope point. The two cars went out of track limits, thus benefiting Lando Norris who was able to overtake the Renault, before overtaking the Racing Point one lap later. 

Watch this final lap #StyrianGP . Battle to the end, Norris, Stroll, Ricciardo https://t.co/UN0COCM2nw

— eckhaus (@eckhaus) July 12, 2020

The action was placed under investigation by the commissioners but did not result in a sanction. Enough to enrage the smiling Aussie! “I saw Stroll coming, but I felt like we were going to hang on if I took the turn. So I had to make this decision (to veer wide. Editor’s note). 

Perhaps I should have blocked him and it’s a shame to lose a few places because of this precise moment. The overriding feeling is frustration, but we are now well into this season. »

The attacker defended himself laconically. “ I spent my entire second stint behind him trying to come out of the first corner well, but he was very strong. Finally, I saw an opportunity to overtake on the penultimate lap. It was only a small space and I rushed into it. It was a very hectic moment but for everyone, it was exciting. »

A few hours after this fight, the French team responded to the technical-sporting regulations by filing a claim against… Racing Point with the FIA. 

Discover the full report of the Styrian Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent in Spielberg, in issue 2269 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version and from this Wednesday on newsstands.