The Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo had a disappointing start to his 2024 campaign in the world of motorsport. He was overshadowed by his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, in the early stages of the season. Despite his poor performances, VCARB CEO Peter Bayer came to Ricciardo’s defense and explained why he believes the Australian deserves to keep racing, despite concerns about his declining speed.
Ricciardo has been completely outperformed by Tsunoda within the VCARB team so far. To make matters worse, Tsunoda even managed to secure an eighth place in Ricciardo’s home race, while the Australian failed to score any points. The 34-year-old driver’s lack of pace has raised doubts among those in the paddock about whether he should retain his place on the grid, especially with young talents waiting for a chance to prove themselves.
There were rumors circulating in the paddock that Ricciardo had been given a two-race ultimatum to improve his performance. However, Peter Bayer decided to support Ricciardo’s position in the team, highlighting his value to the Faenza-based operation. Bayer explained that the team needs an experienced driver like Ricciardo, who can provide guidance and direction based on his extensive experience in the sport.
Bayer also explained that VCARB has undergone a restructuring and now has different ambitions. The team no longer wants to be seen as a junior team to Red Bull, but aims to establish its own independent identity. This is where Ricciardo fits in perfectly, as his years of experience on the grid can help the team achieve its new goals.
Despite facing constant speculation about his future with Red Bull, Ricciardo remains motivated to perform at his best. However, his optimism has been shaken in recent races as Tsunoda has been the team leader. This has left Ricciardo confused and determined to prove himself by taking control of the VCARB 01 car and showcasing his racing skills.
Ricciardo admits he is puzzled by Tsunoda’s superior pace. He trusts the car and understands its capabilities, but struggles to comprehend how his teammate can extract more performance from the same package. As a result, Ricciardo has been asking several questions to the team in an attempt to gain a better understanding and improve his own performance.
Ricciardo’s determination to understand the VCARB01 and perform better is unwavering. The upcoming races will be crucial for the former race winner as he strives to regain his competitive edge and prove he still has what it takes to succeed.
