Daniel Ricciardo wanted to show he can't be walked over in F1

The Red Bull driver felt it was important he got the message out he does not always smile his way through particular incidents when let down by the team or car, such as when he lost out on potential victories in Spain and Monaco earlier this season.

"There are times when things don't go your way or they don't happen," Ricciardo told Autosport.

"Because I'm always smiling and seen as the nice guy, it is important for people to see that when things aren't as they should be, I'm not just going to get walked over.

"I will stand on my own two feet, and show this does mean a lot to me, that my desire is very strong in this sport.

"I've done it well and said things when I felt I needed to, and then I've just gone about my business when I haven't really needed to do very much.

"Which is why I don't want to say I am ever satisfied, because I am, but until I really get that world championship I will always be back teeth clenched."

Ricciardo believes he should have achieved more by now after scoring three wins in his debut season with Red Bull in 2014 following his promotion from Toro Rosso.

"I'd definitely hoped for more," said Ricciardo.

"Even that year, when it ended, I thought 'You know what? If I'd had that car [a Mercedes] I would have been world champion'.

"Not being able to take all of that since 2014 has been a bit frustrating. I'm sure it will come back around.

"I've certainly learned a lot, to be a bit more - unfortunately - patient, to weather the storm and maximise the good days when they are here."

BEST SEASON SO FAR

Although Ricciardo has yet to take win a race this season the Australian feels up to this point has been "the best half season I've had".

"The level I've approached everything with, the qualifying, certainly, that has got better and better, and some races," he added.

"From the first day of testing I felt like I was on it, and I don't really feel I've lost that.

"When [Daniil] Kvyat was here I was clearly out-performing him, and that was the first little statement, and then Max [Verstappen] came in, and even though he got the win [in Spain], I feel like I've been doing good."