Daniel Ricciardo embarks on a new chapter with the renewed RB team in 2024. Despite a promising pre-season test for the newly renamed team, Ricciardo has moderate expectations for RB’s Formula 1 prospects this year. With a revised name and a renewed management structure, RB is expected to thrive this season through its strengthened alliance with the Red Bull Champions. The Faenza camp made use of the Red Bull’s rear suspension, resulting in consistent scores and an eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Ricciardo, who took Nyck de Vries’ place last year, initially stated that RB could aim for top-five results from the start of the season. The team showed strong pace during the three-day pre-season test in Bahrain, with Ricciardo closely matching the performance of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the second day. However, Ricciardo believes that RB has not yet been able to break free from the midfield group and acknowledges that there is still work to be done to achieve the team’s goals in 2024.
“We should be cautious at the beginning of the season,” Ricciardo warned. “Our goal as the season progresses is to be ahead of the midfield pack. But for now, we’re more in the middle of the pack. I’m not sure if we’re already ahead. That’s certainly our goal. I know some people are excited about our prospects this season, but I prefer to approach it cautiously. We have a decent car, but there is still a lot of work to be done. The data we collected during testing suggests that there are still improvements to be made.”
Ricciardo also believes that the expectation that the VCARB 01 would be a replica of the dominant Red Bull RB19 from 2023 led to unrealistic assumptions about RB’s performance. “From an external point of view, I think people got carried away,” he admitted. “Many fans were excited and thought we would be a modified version of a previous car [Red Bull’s RB19]. But that’s not the case. We’re trying to make the most of what we have.”
The former McLaren driver also stated that Red Bull’s progress will be less noticeable compared to other teams, as they focused on improving their previous car until the last race.
“I believe we have definitely made improvements to the car compared to last year. It’s difficult because we introduced upgrades in Abu Dhabi, so we’re comparing it to a car with recent improvements,” he explained.
“If we had compared it to the car before the Abu Dhabi race, it would have seemed like a bigger breakthrough, but it’s more of an evolution.
“There have been some minor improvements here and there, but I still think we need to find more to consistently reach Q3 and finish in the top ten.”
When asked about his satisfaction with Red Bull’s progress after the tests in Bahrain, Ricciardo replied, “I’m somewhere in the middle. But that’s just my approach to testing.
“Even if you see Sainz leading the time sheets today, there are so many variables. Is it the fuel? Is it the engine? What time of day? You never really know.
“I think regardless of where we are in terms of lap times, I prefer to be cautious.
“I’m aware that we probably won’t be on pole position next week. However, I like to believe that we’re still in the battle of the midfield.
“Starting the season with a Q3 appearance and scoring points on Sundays would be a good way to start the year.
“Whether we’ll achieve that next week remains to be seen.
“But I think that’s the starting point, and as the season progresses and we gain more knowledge about the car and work with our new team members, we can aim higher.”
© 2024
Portugal defeats Spain in an exciting game
In the last group stage match of the World Cup, Portugal faced Spain in an exciting game. The two teams clashed at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, providing fans with a memorable spectacle.
From the start, Portugal showed offensive and determined football. Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portuguese national team, was the standout player of the game, scoring two goals and assisting in Portugal’s third goal. His brilliant performance secured the victory for his team.
Spain also did not fall behind and showed their technical quality. Sergio Ramos, captain of the Spanish national team, scored a penalty goal and caused trouble for the Portuguese defense. However, the team could not reverse the score and ended up losing the game.
With the victory, Portugal secured first place in the group and advanced to the knockout stage. The team now awaits their next opponent, which will be determined in the upcoming matches.
It was an exciting match full of twists and turns. The fans present at the stadium and the viewers at home were certainly pleased with the spectacle provided by both teams.
Now, Portugal is preparing to face their next challenge in the World Cup. The team is confident and determined to continue advancing in the competition. Portuguese fans are eager to see their team’s performance in the upcoming matches.
The World Cup is becoming more and more thrilling and surprising. The teams are giving their best on the field and providing memorable games for football fans. Don’t miss the upcoming matches and stay tuned for all the excitement of the competition.
