In a post-race interview, Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo expressed his frustration over a team order disagreement with his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, during the opening race of the season. Ricciardo, who finished in 13th place, revealed that the team had discussed the possibility of him utilizing a soft tire towards the end of the race, which could potentially give him a pace advantage.

Ricciardo explained that he had expected the team order to be implemented, allowing him to pass Tsunoda in order to chase after a potential points finish. However, he was disappointed that Tsunoda did not immediately yield to the team instruction when it was first given.

The Australian driver emphasized that he understood the importance of team strategy and acknowledged that if Tsunoda had initially given him the position, he would have returned it at the end of the race. Ricciardo stressed that the team's priority should have been to maximize their chances of securing at least one car in the points, considering the competitive nature of the sport and the lengthy season ahead.

While Ricciardo expressed his willingness to comply with team orders in a points-scoring situation, he made it clear that he did not attach much significance to finishing in 13th or 14th place. He reiterated that his primary focus is on accumulating points for the team and achieving higher positions on the grid.

The McLaren driver remains optimistic about resolving the disagreement, expressing his intention to have a mature discussion and address the issue in the team briefing. Ricciardo hopes that Tsunoda, once calmer, will reflect on the situation and acknowledge the need to follow team instructions promptly in future races.

Acknowledging that it is only the first race of the season, Ricciardo believes it is crucial not to let this incident set the tone for their collaboration. With 23 more races to go, the Australian driver is confident that the team will find common ground and work together successfully, ensuring a strong performance in the upcoming race in Jeddah.

As the team heads into the next Grand Prix, all eyes will be on how Ricciardo and Tsunoda reconcile their differences and regroup to deliver a united front on the track.