Daniel Ricciardo off the pace as Formula 1 returns

As Formula 1 returns for a brand new season, Australian Daniel Ricciardo is off the pace in Bahrain. 

A mere 96 days since the sport left us with arguably the most dramatic finish to a season in its history, the first two practice sessions of the year were held on Friday.

Ricciardo heads into the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix behind the eight-ball after testing positive for COVID-19 last week.

This kept him out of the car for the final three-day testing session last weekend, also held in Bahrain.

This was precious time lost as F1 embarks on a new era of regulations, with the aerodynamic guidelines overhauled and larger wheels on this year's cars.

Ahead of Friday's first two practice sessions, Ricciardo said he was confident heading into the new season, but admitted he needed to play catch up to the rest of the field, who last week had three days of testing their new cars.

Ricciardo was well off the pace during Friday's first two sessions, finishing the sessions 17th- and 18th-fastest, respectively.

A water leak kept him in the garage for parts of the second session, more precious time lost ahead of the first race of the year.

«We didn't have the smoothest day,» Ricciardo said on Friday evening.

«Unfortunately, we missed out on some running this evening, so we've got our work cut out.

»We'll keep at it, study the data tonight and try to make up for it tomorrow morning before qualifying."

His teammate, Lando Norris — who drove more laps during last week's tests than any other driver — was also off the pace in Bahrain.

Despite driving the most laps during the test, Norris was also hampered last weekend with car troubles.

The young Briton was 16th- and 11th-fastest in the two sessions on Friday, admitting the McLaren team needs to