Daniel Ricciardo and RB are still working to improve his somewhat underwhelming form at the start of 2024. Unlike his McLaren stint, Ricciardo insists there is no panic about the current situation. He also says that RB has ideas to improve the situation. Still, there are still question marks surrounding his performance in VCARB 01.
Ricciardo’s home Grand Prix in Australia was a frustrating one. After failing to reach Q2, his chances of securing points were largely gone. He recovered well in the race, although teammate Yuki Tsunoda put together a far stronger weekend to finish P7.
A driver with eight race victories is unlikely to panic after just three rounds. However, the 34-year-old’s last three seasons have been turbulent. After gathering some momentum at the end of last season, this regression in form to start 2024 is far from ideal.
With the F1 driver market more volatile than ever, this is a crucial chance for Ricciardo to climb the field. After all, Red Bull’s decision to bring him back to F1 last summer was partly to broaden their options for 2025.
VCARB01s sidepod – Illustration by Rosario Giuliana
Daniel Ricciardo doesn’t rule out chassis change
Unfortunately for Ricciardo, his current form is not doing him any favours. Speaking to the media in Japan, he explained that a chassis change is not out of the question:
“That was certainly something I raised the possibility of [doing] if I’m still struggling,” The Race quotes him as saying.
“Before we just tell me I’m sh*t, let’s at least get that sorted and put everything to bed.”
To be clear, this course of action is likely several steps away. The Racing Bulls will hope that Ricciardo can rediscover his best form before such a change is considered.
For the Faenza-based team, the hope will be that smaller changes are the root of his early troubles. Still, it is worth observing how the driver head-to-head at RB develops.
Yuki Tsunoda is driving at a very high level, so it cannot be assumed that Ricciardo will outperform the Japanese driver when everything clicks. In such a tightly contested midfield, fine margins can be the difference between points or missing out.
Therefore, both drivers at Laurent Mekies’ squad must bring the best versions of themselves as the 2024 campaign progresses. An upgrade to the VCARB 01 in Japan should provide the team an additional boost in their constructors’ battle.
