Daniel Ricciardo: Initial 2024 difficulties 'not a concern'

Ricciardo downplays concerns of poor form

Daniel Ricciardo is unphased by the results from the opening rounds of 2024, confident that his form will improve over time. Racing this weekend on home turf, the Australian has an opportunity to get his season on the right track.

There was tremendous expectation heading into this season for the Racing Bulls, as reports of their growing collaboration with Red Bull intensified over winter.

This information certainly wasn’t inaccurate, as the Italian outfit continues to work more closely with its senior team.

However, the degree to which VCARB could benefit from these strengthened ties was overstated. Formula 1’s regulations still restrict the components teams can share.

As a result, the team led by Laurent Mekies has not made a replica of the RB19 as some anticipated.

A failure to score points in Bahrain or Jeddah (though Tsunoda was in striking distance on both occasions) demonstrates the team’s tame start.

Focusing specifically on Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian hasn’t performed at his best either. So far this year, the 34-year-old has been outperformed by his teammate.

Ricciardo confident results will improve

Still, as he explained to the media in Melbourne, he sees no cause for alarm:

“This weekend it’s something I look forward to, obviously being here racing at home.

“After the first two races, it hasn’t been amazing, but it’s not a concern.

“It’s two races out of 24, there’s a load of new people in the team, so it’s very early, but I do definitely want to have a strong weekend and do well.”

This level-headed approach is to be expected from someone with Ricciardo’s achievements. Even with his difficulties in recent years, he remains one of the most decorated drivers on the grid.

However, his past success will not be enough to guarantee his future in F1. The Australian, no doubt, is aware of this.

Red Bull are known for taking risks and operating somewhat unpredictably with their driver selection. It was this tendency that saw the 8-time race winner make a comeback last season.

On the other hand, this also forces both Ricciardo and Tsunoda to perform at their best.

Liam Lawson’s presence as the team’s reserve driver will surely give this pairing additional impetus.