The Italy-based team, formerly known as Scuderia Toro Rosso under Red Bull ownership in 2005, then AlphaTauri and previously Minardi, will start the season in Bahrain next week with new management, closer ties to Red Bull champions, and a new identity.
During the first day of F1 testing in Bahrain last Wednesday, Ricciardo achieved the fourth fastest time, followed by the fifth fastest time on Thursday. Some speculate that VCARB could potentially surprise as underdogs, but the Australian driver downplayed those expectations.
“We believe we can surpass eighth place,” he said during a break in filming for the team’s Austrian vodka sponsor NEFT, dressed in a black tuxedo. “If people are anticipating a situation similar to Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso last year, where we’re fighting for a podium from the first race, clearly we’re not at that level yet.”
“I have an idea of who is fast and who might be struggling, but… it’s not that I’m afraid to comment on it, the truth is I’m still relatively uncertain. Even if some teams are within a few tenths of each other, those few tenths can translate into five positions on the starting grid. That can change quickly,” explained Ricciardo, who previously raced for Red Bull from 2014 to 2018.
Regarding the team’s long F1 name, Ricciardo told Reuters after the F1 tests in Bahrain: “I understand that commentators might find it too long, but the truth is they’re backing us to compete, so I’m more than happy to use the full name.
“I know people will probably abbreviate it, and I’ve heard RB and other variations. I’ll say, ‘Do whatever you want,’ but you’ll hear me say ‘Visa Cash App RB’.”
“I know for sure people are referring to it as VCARB (the chassis name being VCARB01), but that sounds like a competitor to Red Bull’s energy drink. It doesn’t sound quite right,” explained the experienced Australian driver.
The team’s name is a topic of discussion due to the lack of a clear identity without the main sponsors and also because the team is expected to receive more mentions than last year, when they finished in eighth place overall.
Ricciardo is openly expressing his desire to return to Red Bull if veteran teammate Sergio Perez leaves at the end of the season, and he praised the main team’s new RB20 car for leaving a strong impression.
In testing, Ferrari emerged as the fastest, but Red Bull remained the team to beat, showing an intriguing evolution of last year’s winning car, which claimed victory in 21 out of 22 races.
Reflecting on his time with his former team, Ricciardo expressed, “They were leading the pack for a decade, only to witness Mercedes embark on an incredible winning streak. It seems like they’re determined to make a emphatic statement, to avoid being overtaken again or to maintain their dominant position for as long as possible.”
He added further, “I understand fans may wish to see a different winner, but from a competitive standpoint, one can’t help but admire their relentless approach in designing their latest creation.”
After leaving McLaren at the end of 2022, Ricciardo returned to a race seat with AlphaTauri for seven races last year, partnering with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Amidst the “Crazy F1 Season” musical chairs, with several drivers facing the end of their contracts at the end of the year, Ricciardo welcomed the attention shifting to others after Lewis Hamilton’s surprising move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025.
Ricciardo shared his thoughts, stating, “I was simply pleased watching from a distance, no direct involvement. My focus is solely on fulfilling my obligations here and hopefully that leads to significant achievements. Looking a year ahead seems surreal, as I’m well aware of how the sport can quickly transform. From being out of the game one year to being back the following year.”
He concluded by revealing, “Taking each race as it comes helps me stay present and ultimately allows me to maintain my passion for the sport.” These statements were made by Ricciardo, who is preparing for his 14th season in F1. (Reported by Alan Baldwin)
© 2024
The world of sports is always in constant motion, and today we bring you the latest news to keep you up to date with everything that’s happening. Check out the main highlights of the day below:
1. New record in football: The Brazilian player scored a historic goal during yesterday’s match, breaking the record for the most goals in a single season. With this achievement, he becomes the greatest goal scorer in football history.
2. Olympics surprise: The unknown athlete surprised everyone by winning the gold medal in swimming. With an impeccable performance, he surpassed the favorites and became the new Olympic champion.
3. Basketball injury: The player from team X suffered an injury during practice and is out for the next game. The team will have to adapt without their star player, which could influence the final result of the game.
4. Million-dollar deal in the NBA market: The star player signed a million-dollar contract with team Y, becoming one of the highest-paid athletes in the league. This negotiation promises to shake up the market and bring significant changes to the upcoming season.
5. Thrilling victory in tennis: The Brazilian tennis player won an exciting match against her opponent, securing her spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament. With an aggressive game and determination, she showed her talent and determination.
Stay tuned to our website for more news and updates from the sports world. Don’t miss any action and always stay informed about everything happening in the world of sports.
