F1: Ricciardo says RBR "not strong anywhere"

Daniel Ricciardo says Red Bull can no longer make up for straightline speed deficiencies with downforce advantages as its Formula 1 car is "not strong anywhere."

Red Bull-Renault was rarely quickest through the speed trap even as it took four F1 titles from 2010-'13, but could usually compensate in the corners. This year the team has been hampered by reliability problems – with both Ricciardo and teammate Daniil Kvyat on the fourth and final engines of their 2015 allocation already – and a lack of performance.

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Ricciardo hinted that it was a combination of the engine and chassis contributing to Red Bull lacking pace.

"We're by no means the quickest in the fast corners so we're not really optimal," said Ricciardo. "I think last year we lacked power but we were making it up through some high-speed corners and I think we haven't gained at least in some areas. Unfortunately we don't have a gain anywhere. In some places we're sort of there or thereabouts but we're not strong anywhere at the moment."

RICCIARDO ENJOYING TEAM LEADER ROLE

Despite Red Bull's struggles, Ricciardo has finished every race in the points this year and is 20 points clear of teammate Kvyat, who is only in his second F1 season.

The Australian said he is enjoying the team leader role, following Sebastian Vettel's move to Ferrari this season, and benefiting from having an extra year with Red Bull over Kvyat.

"Obviously I try and carry a bit more of the weight on me," said Ricciardo. "Knowing that I have a bit more experience than Daniil and I know the guys a bit better, I'm trying to help out that extra little percent if I can. But if I look back at my approach last year and compare, it's still the same. Maybe the extra feedback I'm giving the guys is natural after an extra year with them.

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"The results haven't been what we wanted but I'm still enjoying the challenge. I think when we do get the performance that we want it will be a very nice feeling."

Originally on Autosport.com