Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo says he will need time to get over the 'hurt' of the pit stop issue that cost him potential victory on the streets of Monte Carlo on Sunday.
After what proved to be a wrong strategy call scuppered his chances of winning last time out in Spain, Ricciardo bounced back with a magnificent pole in Monaco and then led early on - only for a near 14-second pit stop to drop him behind Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after his crew failed to ready his tyres in time. Hamilton subsequently went on to triumph despite constant pressure from the Australian.
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull Racing RB12 at the start of the race at Formula One World Championship, Rd6, Monaco Grand Prix, Race, Monte-Carlo, Monaco, Sunday 29 May 2016.
Two weekends in a row I have been screwed
Daniel Ricciardo
"How do I feel? Without swearing it's difficult," a despondent Ricciardo said. "Like I've been run over by an 18-wheel truck for the second weekend in a row.
"I think I took Barcelona as well as I could; but for me to be positive this time, I can't. I actually hate being like this, being miserable - I got a podium in Monaco, I should be happy and grateful.
"But I have no idea what to say - and nothing good to say. We saw the rain this morning and I saw it as another chance to prove myself. I was quick and I pulled away. [As for the pit stop] - they called me in, it wasn't a late call.
"From the outside, we put on a show but it shouldn't have been as exciting as it was - two weekends in a row I have been screwed."
Asked whether he would sit down with the team and talk through the error, Ricciardo said: "Not today. I don't think we can achieve anything today.
"I just want to get the hell out of here to be honest."
Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko agreed the pit stop issue handed victory to Mercedes, adding: "We presented it to Mercedes. Unfortunately, a lot of misunderstanding and not the right communication.
"We will investigate and find out [what happened], but it was a human mistake.
"I feel really sorry [for Ricciardo]. All we can do is apologise to him."
Ricciardo eventually finished seven seconds behind Hamilton. He nevertheless moves up to third in the standings on 66 points, 16 behind Hamilton and 40 adrift of championship leader Nico Rosberg.
