Daniel Ricciardo has expressed that he would not feel at ease with the RB Formula team in Faenza if they still operated as a subordinate team to Red Bull. The 35-year-old Australian rejoined RB during the 2023 season when it was known as AlphaTauri, taking the place of Nyck de Vries from the Netherlands. In 2024, the team underwent a rebranding and became Visa Cash App RB (or RB for short). Ricciardo initially joined the team in 2012 when it was known as Toro Rosso and served as a development team for Red Bull, nurturing drivers to eventually join the main Red Bull team in Milton Keynes. However, the RB era of the team is now seen as a separate entity, focused on its own objectives rather than being a feeder team. Ricciardo discussed this change during a press conference before the Belgian Grand Prix, highlighting the importance of actions aligning with the rebranding and the introduction of new ideas by individuals such as Laurent Mekies, Peter Bayer, and Alan Permane.
“They have all spent time in different teams and organizations. And yes, it’s a fresh perspective. Their approach and intentions have made people take notice and acknowledge that this is no longer a minor team.”
RB’s objective, supported by two major commercial partners, is to gradually enhance its position within the midfield of F1.
As a result, Ricciardo stated, “We are making significant decisions and taking risks. We are setting ambitious and realistic goals that we believe we can achieve.
“So, it’s exciting. It’s great to witness. If it still felt like a minor team, I wouldn’t feel comfortable here.
“I am now 35 years old. So, I think I would feel out of place. But I don’t. So, that’s also a good way to understand it.”
Nevertheless, even though RB is no longer a minor team, Red Bull still has significant control over its driver lineup.
This was evident when Ricciardo was reportedly considered for a mid-season switch with an underperforming Sergio Perez at Red Bull. However, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko decided to give the Mexican another opportunity to prove himself.
This means that Ricciardo will remain at RB, but he still faces pressure if he wants to challenge Perez’s position in the future, all while being aware that highly-regarded Reserve Driver Liam Lawson is waiting in the wings.
Photo by Daniel Ricciardo Instagram
