Ricciardo explains the reason for the accident with Albon in Japan

Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon They were involved in the most serious accident of the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix during the start when both cars collided in traffic between turns 2 and 3 of the Suzuka circuit, causing a red flag and stopping the competition for 30 minutes.

When the race started, Ricciardo went on the attack and in turn 3 he found himself on the outside with Albon’s Williams. Both ended up hitting the tire barriers and retiring from the race.

In statements after the race, the Racing Bulls driver indicated that the whole problem started with the poor response of the medium tire that he used at the start and that he was surpassed by those competitors who obtained better traction thanks to the soft compound.

“It seems that Yuki (Tsunoda) and I didn’t have the grip we had anticipated with the medium. It’s strange because the cars in front of us seemed to have started well and I’m pretty sure they had medium tires,” said the Australian.

Ricciardo explained that initially his attention was focused on Lance Stroll and then he met Albon who he said was in an unusual position.

“In Turn 1, I was in the middle, with Yuki and an Alpine, and by Turn 2, I thought as soon as I hit the accelerator that I was already fighting and I think Stroll was on the outside and I was trying to keep him on the outside. I guess when I came back for Turn 3 Albon was there.”

“I saw the on-board camera and I don’t know if he wanted to be in that position, but he had better traction because he had soft tires.”

The Australian pointed out that he never likes to make sudden movements in the first corner, especially starting from the middle part, because he knows there may be cars around. However, on this occasion he noted that he ran out of space and that led to contact with Albon.

“I always assume that there may be someone around because it is the first lap and I have never tried to use the full width of the track, but obviously there was not enough space,” he concluded in his explanation.

The stewards analyzed the incident after the event and classified it as a racing accident, so there was no penalty for Ricciardo.

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