After an underwhelming first two races, points are starting to arrive at Racing Bulls. The first six were collected in Australia, taking advantage of the retirements of the Mercedes duo and Max Verstappen. In Japan, at Honda’s home race, another small point arrived with tenth place for the home rider Yuki Tsunoda.
In recent events, the Faenza car has been performing according to Laurent Mekies’ plans. The VCARB 01 has established itself in the standings as the sixth-fastest or the best of the ‘second tier’ cars:
“Congratulations are to be given to everyone, from Bicester in Faenza, up to our partner Honda. We know that we have to continue to push hard in all areas to be able to keep the lead in the middle of the table.” After the Grand Prix, Racing Bulls remained in Japan together with Sauber, making itself available to Pirelli for the development work of both slick and wet tyres for 2025.
RICCIARDO’S NEW CHASSIS IS A TEAM CHOICE
At Racing Bulls, Yuki Tsunoda’s excellent performance contrasted with the difficulties on the other side of the garage occupied by Daniel Ricciardo.
The Australian is struggling to keep up with his teammate both in qualifying and in the race and seems to have returned to the limbo that surrounded him in the year of his separation with McLaren. The unfortunate accident at the start of Suzuka is the culmination of a negative moment for the driver from Perth.
A turnaround compared to the excellent performances at the end of last season, when Daniel took over from De Vries in Hungary:
“In Suzuka after free practice, in which we took some steps in the right direction, I was really optimistic for the race.
“An accident on the first lap is one of the worst things that can happen to a driver in these cases because he doesn’t accumulate data and experience.”
In Shanghai, Ricciardo’s VCARB01 will be equipped with a new chassis, following the wishes of Mekies’ team. There was no damage to the bodywork following the accident at the start of the Japanese GP. Regardless, this decision was motivated by the team to support driver number 3.
In fact, based on what has been gathered, the new chassis was not expressly requested by the Australian driver. Instead, it was the initiative of the Racing Bulls technicians.
The objective is to give the driver what is defined as a “mental confidence boost.” The Chinese circuit has many important technical and braking parts. Confidence in the car is essential, particularly on a sprint weekend.
