Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo asserts that the recently rebranded RB team is an independent Formula 1 team rather than a subordinate of Red Bull. The team, based in Faenza, initially joined the Red Bull family when Dietrich Mateschitz purchased the Minardi entry and established Toro Rosso in preparation for the 2006 season. Toro Rosso served as a platform for emerging Red Bull drivers and played a role in the promotion of talents such as Sebastian Vettel, Ricciardo, and Max Verstappen to the senior team. However, since Toro Rosso became AlphaTauri in 2020, no driver has been elevated to the Red Bull team. Ricciardo now claims that the team’s rebranding as RB signifies its departure from being a developmental ground.
During a filming day at the Misano Circuit, Ricciardo expressed his thoughts on the new VCARB 01, stating, “Visa Cash App RB marks a new phase in the team’s journey.” He further added, “We are fortunate to have incredible partners who will aid us in our pursuit of a stronger position on the grid. However, I believe this marks a moment where we are no longer perceived solely as a junior team affiliated with Red Bull. We have established our own identity and I believe this upcoming chapter will be crucial in gaining recognition from other teams.”
Overall, Ricciardo’s remarks highlight the team’s transformation and its determination to be seen as an independent force in Formula 1.
The shift from being a subordinate Red Bull team to one that CEO Peter Bayer refers to as “a fresh team fighting for its position on the grid” has stirred up controversy within the F1 community.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has been openly critical of Red Bull and their shared ownership, consistently expressing his negative opinions on the matter.
Brown has even taken the step of urging the FIA to investigate the Red Bull/RB partnership, claiming that having two teams under one owner is a “serious problem” and goes against the principles of fairness in the sport.
Ricciardo is making his return to Formula 1 for his first full season since his troubled time at McLaren came to an end in 2022.
The Australian driver rejoined the team he previously raced for in 2012 and ’13 during last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, taking the place of Nyck De Vries.
However, Ricciardo’s comeback was interrupted by a broken hand sustained in a crash during Friday practice at the Dutch GP, causing him to miss five races.
Ricciardo described his return to the Red Bull setup in 2023 as a “rejuvenating experience” that has made him feel complete again, and he is eagerly looking forward to the year ahead.
“Well, the new car, every year it brings excitement, you know, for a fresh car,” he stated.
“I believe it offers a new opportunity. Firstly, the design of the car, I think it looks fantastic.
“And in terms of the feeling, it was simply satisfying to get a few laps in again after the Christmas break.
“It’s still too early to determine where we’ll stand, of course. But personally, I felt really confident getting back behind the wheel.”
According to motorsportweek.com
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