It’s still early days into the 2024 season, and already there is plenty of gossip surrounding the teammate battle down at RB. With Daniel Ricciardo’s experience and expertise, would you really believe that he’s trailing behind the younger, less experienced driver that is Yuki Tsunoda? Well, you’d better had believe it because RB’s inter-team battle is shaping up to be a good one.
Since Ricciardo’s abrupt return to Formula One half-way through last season, replacing a “displaced” Nyck de Vries; 2024 has since been perceived as an “audition” for the 8-time Grand Prix winner, as he eyes a return to the main Red Bull team; Red Bull Racing. However, it’s plain to see that 2024 isn’t going Ricciardo’s way, with three non-point scoring finishes and a DNF. As for his teammate; Tsunoda, it’s a different story; with the Japanese driver looking more refined in 2024. He currently leads Ricciardo 4-0 in qualifying and 3-1 in the race.
Naturally, in the world of Formula One, this has led to many the speculation about Ricciardo’s future in the sport. And, it isn’t the first time for the Australian either. Since his shock departure from Red Bull at the end of the 2018 season, Ricciardo’s Formula One performance has since been on a downhill spiral, abruptly hitting a dead end at the end of 2022 when he was dropped from the McLaren team, whom he raced for since 2021. After sitting out the first half of the 2023 season, a return to the Red Bull family was perceived as a saving grace for Ricciardo. Unfortunately, it’s turning out to be anything but.
It’s an interesting thought, however, to decipher as to why Ricciardo is having so many issues with his performances. Some say he’s been unlucky, with a string of underperforming cars. Others say his time in the sport is coming to an end, with the Australian struggling with mentality and confidence, and no longer able to compete with his younger counterparts. Either way, it’s a shame to see a driver of Ricciardo’s calibre experience such a dip in performance. Will he come out of it before it’s too late? Especially with Liam Lawson waiting ever so patiently in the wings.
As already discussed, Tsunoda, apart from maybe his overly animated radio messages, is doing everything right in 2024 thus far, and is even catching the attention of other teams which could further prolong his Formula One career - something that has been doubted in the past. With Honda soon joining forces with Aston Martin from 2026, a season consistently out-performing Ricciardo is everything that young Yuki needs. Could we see him in green in the near future?
Still there is a long road ahead, to not just 2026, but also the end of the 2024 season. With, 20 races let to run, anything can happen, including Ricciardo finding some kind of form once again. Until then, it’s looking like the year of Yuki; a young driver finally finding his feet in a sport that ends so many racing careers. A refreshing sight that is indeed.
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