Daniel Ricciardo has joked he “hated” having to apologise to Carlos Sainz after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

But in all seriousness, the Australian “felt better” for what he had initiated and believes there will be no hangover from their Imola first-lap incident when they find themselves battling again.

On a damp circuit, the McLaren and Ferrari were alongside each other at the Tamburello chicane with Ricciardo on the inside when they made contact, Sainz having appeared to leave his rival enough space.

Ricciardo’s car went into the side of Sainz’s, nudging him into the gravel and out of the race as the Spaniard became beached whereas the McLaren was able to continue – albeit uncompetitively as slight damage and a couple of no-risk strategy gambles that failed to pay off meant he finished last of the 18 finishers.