Until the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League
In his quest for consistency since being given a second chance in Formula 1 with Red Bull, Daniel Ricciardo believes he may have found the solution: increased intensity and a touch of anger.
This is a crucial moment in Ricciardo’s second career in F1, as he halted the decline with a strong performance at the Canadian Grand Prix. The timing was perfect, as it followed the announcement of Red Bull’s new contracts for Sergio Perez and Yuki Tsunoda, leaving Ricciardo’s future uncertain.
Ricciardo is trying not to interpret the news about Perez as a sign that he will never have another opportunity at Red Bull. However, he acknowledges that he did not do enough to secure the top spot and takes responsibility for missing that chance.
Furthermore, he acknowledges that he is vulnerable at Red Bull, with Liam Lawson and Formula 2 title contender Isack Hadjar waiting in the wings. Therefore, the Canadian Grand Prix was of utmost importance for Ricciardo. He needs to address the issues that prevented him from being considered for Red Bull, especially his lack of consistent performance.
“After receiving the new chassis in China and starting the weekend well in Miami, I thought, ‘This could be it,'” Ricciardo said at the beginning of the Montreal weekend. “But then I had a few not-so-good races.
“The positive thing is that I still have the ability to do remarkable things. However, I need to ensure that I can do it unconditionally, not just when I’m feeling good or when conditions are favorable.
“Because there have been some races this year where I didn’t have the consistency I desired, I’m trying to ensure that I’m not neglecting anything in my preparation before the races.”
This statement insinuated something that happened after the Monaco Grand Prix, which Ricciardo subsequently detailed during the Canada weekend. He revealed that he went through some “self-therapy” and questioned his actions off the track. As an important commercial asset for Red Bull and its partners, he has been feeling overwhelmed with additional activities, a feeling he has expressed in the past.
Ricciardo invited his team and close contacts to provide constructive criticism and discuss what they believed was going wrong. This led to an open conversation where they identified areas for improvement.
“We made some changes, and although we need to give our sponsors the time they deserve, there are small things we can eliminate,” he said after the race. “Sometimes they are random things. It’s not necessary for me to sit in my room doing nothing. That time could be spent with the engineers, ensuring we are prepared to get in the car.
“All these little improvements help everyone’s mindset, so that when we enter the session, we feel ready to go.”
Canada could have been another disappointment for Ricciardo, with Tsunoda potentially surpassing him. Tsunoda was actually faster in qualifying, but failed to deliver in the race, suffering a rare spin. However, Ricciardo’s result was well deserved. It was the first weekend he ran without issues from start to finish. However, this single performance cannot change the narrative of his time alongside Tsunoda in 2024 and the previous year.
In the 16 races they have competed as teammates since Ricciardo’s return to F1 in 2023, Tsunoda consistently outperformed him. On average, Tsunoda managed a grid position 1.4 places better, a finishing position 1.9 places better, and scored 34 points compared to Ricciardo’s 15.
By focusing solely on 2024, the numbers become even more damning for Ricciardo. Tsunoda had an average grid position of 10.0, while Ricciardo’s average is 12.7. In terms of finishing positions, Tsunoda’s average is 10.6, compared to Ricciardo’s average of 12.1. These statistics highlight Ricciardo’s struggle to compete with Tsunoda, despite his strong performance in Canada.
The conversation after the Monaco Grand Prix was a turning point for Ricciardo, providing him with a sense of relief before the Canadian Grand Prix. He believes that the calmer weekend was not a coincidence.
“I’m happy with the things I recognized since Monaco, and I really believe that the success of this weekend is not a fluke,” Ricciardo said. “We need to continue building on that and taking responsibility. I can’t afford to get too relaxed and careless. I need to maintain that determination.”
If focusing more on race weekends is part of the solution, now is the perfect time to prove it. The first three-race sequence of the 2024 season gives Ricciardo the opportunity to build the much-needed momentum.
The pressure to secure his place, especially with Tsunoda’s confirmation and the potential competition from Lawson, can actually work in Ricciardo’s favor. He excels when he has extra motivation and feels the need to take control. This mindset has led him to victories and podiums that lesser drivers would not have achieved.
Perhaps now is the time for this mindset to shine in a different battle. The announcements of the contracts of the other Red Bull drivers and Jacques Villeneuve’s criticisms in Canada have likely fueled Ricciardo’s determination.
“I need to maintain the momentum,” he said. “This extra energy, combined with extra motivation, helped me this weekend. I need to ensure that this continues. I need to maintain this level of intensity.”
“Sometimes, I have been too relaxed. If I need to tap into my anger or testosterone to perform, so be it.”
If fighting for your future can’t access this mindset, nothing else will.
© 2024
Football is an exciting sport that captivates millions of fans around the world. And in this context, the 2024 season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet. With great teams and talented players, fans can expect lots of action and rivalry in the competitions.
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In summary, the 2024 season promises to be full of excitement and rivalry in the world of football. With great teams and talented players, fans can expect unforgettable moments. Stay tuned so you don’t miss any action!
