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Michael Doyle

Daniel Ricciardo starts F1 Austrian Grand Prix 12th, Max Verstappen on pole for Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo has finished in the top 10 twice this season.  (Getty Images: Clive Mason)

Daniel Ricciardo has said more pace needs to be found in his McLaren if he is to score points at Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

McLaren has had a disappointing weekend in Spielberg, with mechanical issues during the Friday sessions putting them on the backfoot.

Ricciardo only managed 16th fastest on Friday before climbing up to 12th during the sprint race on Saturday.

His teammate Lando Norris has had a similar weekend, finishing the sprint race 11th after starting from 15th.

Ricciardo said he is taking positives from the sprint race, believing it could signify better things to come during Sunday's grand prix.

"I think with a few more laps [on Saturday], we would have had a chance to crack into the top 10," he said.

"So [on Sunday] with a longer race we might have a bit more of an opportunity.

"We have to still find a bit more in the car, but it was more encouraging."

The Australian is coming off a difficult race in Britain last weekend when issues beyond his control took away any chance of finishing in the top 10.

Ricciardo has finished in the points only twice this season, a sixth-place in Melbourne and eighth in Azerbaijan.

He has scored just 15 points this season, while his teammate has 58 points and a podium finish.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen will start the Austrian Grand Prix from pole after winning Saturday's sprint race.

The Red Bull driver was comfortably ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and extended his lead in the drivers' championship.

Verstappen has a rich history at his team's home circuit, winning three of the last four Austrian Grand Prix, and finishing third at the 2020 Styrian Grand Prix held at the same track.

The sprint race of course does not give you the full picture heading into the race, but pace-wise, it's close between us and Ferrari," Verstappen said.

"I still expect it to be a tough battle [on Sunday]."

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