Daniel Ricciardo’s stint with RB (formerly AlphaTauri) during the 2024 Formula 1 season ended prematurely, marking another challenging chapter in the Aussie’s rollercoaster career. Despite flashes of brilliance, Ricciardo struggled to find consistency, ultimately leading to his mid-season departure. RB boss Laurent Mekies has now openly acknowledged that the team’s shortcomings played a significant role in Ricciardo’s struggles.
“Flashes of Speed Amid Struggles”
Ricciardo, who joined RB mid-2023, had moments that reminded fans of his past glory, including standout performances in Miami and Canada. Mekies highlighted these as proof of Ricciardo’s enduring ability to deliver when conditions allowed:
“The question we have been asked the most was: Can Daniel still produce the ultimate speed we have seen? I think he has on a few occasions, in Miami, in Canada [fifth place in qualifying], and in quite a few other races.”
However, Mekies admitted that these glimpses of speed were not enough in a sport where consistent results are paramount.
“RB’s Role in Ricciardo’s Decline”
Mekies took responsibility for the team’s inability to provide Ricciardo with the tools he needed to succeed consistently. The lackluster performance of the car and failure to keep Ricciardo in his “sweet spot” ultimately hindered his results.
“For the team, as for the drivers, the biggest difficulty is not to be fast one day. It’s to be fast in every race,” Mekies explained. “Did we manage to keep Daniel in that sweet spot often enough? No. That’s the reality. I raised my hand and we raised our hands as a team.”
“Ricciardo’s Contribution Beyond Results”
Despite the disappointing season, Ricciardo’s value extended beyond race results. Mekies praised the veteran driver’s technical feedback and ability to guide the team during its developmental phase.
“Having somebody that knows how it is in a team that wins races, that fights for championships, is setting the benchmark. That counts a lot in a time where you are trying to build the team and target better results.”
Ricciardo’s insights provided Yuki Tsunoda and the team with a clear direction for chassis development, which Mekies believes will pay dividends in the future.
“What’s Next for RB?”
As RB turns the page on Ricciardo’s tenure, they face new challenges with an unproven rookie joining Tsunoda for the 2025 season. While the addition of fresh talent could invigorate the team, it also presents risks during what Mekies described as a “trying time” for the constructor.
“Legacy of Ricciardo’s Time at RB”
While Ricciardo’s results in 2024 fell short of expectations, his impact on the team’s development and Tsunoda’s growth remains significant. Mekies’ candid admission of the team’s failings underscores the complexity of F1 success—where both driver and team must be in sync.
For Ricciardo, his departure from RB doesn’t define his legacy but serves as a reminder of the razor-thin margins in F1. For RB, the lessons learned from Ricciardo’s stint may pave the way for a brighter future.
