In Shanghai, during a safety car period, a collision occurred between Lance Stroll and Daniel Ricciardo, thwarting Ricciardo’s opportunity to secure his first points of the 2024 Formula 1 season with Red Bull Racing. Ricciardo was visibly frustrated by the incident, particularly when Stroll seemingly avoided taking responsibility and attributed blame to other drivers ahead of them, sparking Ricciardo’s ire.
During an event in Miami, Ricciardo disclosed that he and Stroll had not yet resolved the issue between them. He expressed doubt about the usefulness of attempting to reconcile if Stroll continued to believe he bore no fault for the contact. Ricciardo indicated that he would be open to receiving an apology but noted Stroll’s apparent reluctance to admit any wrongdoing, making reconciliation seem unlikely.
Reflecting on past incidents, Ricciardo emphasized his inclination towards clearing the air with his competitors, even if he wasn’t entirely convinced of his culpability. He acknowledged his past reluctance to apologize when he was younger but highlighted his recent approach of taking responsibility, even in situations of shared blame, to maintain amicable relations within the competitive field of Formula 1.
Despite the collision and subsequent discord, Ricciardo conveyed a willingness to move forward, recognizing the transient nature of racing incidents and the importance of not harboring grudges. He stressed the significance of mutual respect among drivers, aiming to prevent animosity and the development of adversaries within the competitive landscape.
Stroll refrained from addressing the incident directly during the Miami event and suggested that any attempt at reconciliation would occur privately, away from public scrutiny. This response from Stroll further underscored the ongoing tension between the two drivers and hinted at the complexity of their relationship within the competitive world of Formula 1.
