Daniel Ricciardo joined the AlphaTauri team last year hoping for a resurgence to secure a spot at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen in 2025. But as the 2024 season has started, and his team now rebranded to Visa Cash App RB, the Australian has struggled to show a performance that challenges his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda.
The experienced driver has faced a series of setbacks so far this season, skewing his results to appear far more negative than they actually are. Despite this, he is still being outshined by his Japanese teammate. Finishing P13 at his home race in Australia, the pressure from the Red Bull family is mounting. This, unsurprisingly, has drawn attention from pundits.
David Croft, speaking to Fox Sports Australia, highlighted the pressure on Ricciardo, noting his struggles to match the pace set by Tsunoda.
"He's under huge pressure," Croft admitted. "Ricciardo has not started the season that well.
"I'm sure the RB will be a better car in time. It might not be the best car for him at the moment.
"But he's been beaten by his teammate, and you have to judge yourself against your teammate, and that's not in Daniel's favour.
"I still think Daniel's a fine driver. I think he deserves his place on the grid, but we need to see more from him, and that will be the message getting through to him."
The emergence of young talents like Liam Lawson has only intensified the scrutiny of Ricciardo. On top of this, Sergio Perez, the Red Bull driver who struggled under the pressure of Max Verstappen last year, looks to be in top form this year. In contrast, Ricciardo has failed to deliver consistently. It's fair to say that his Red Bull seat is starting to look further and further away.
Lawson, who impressed during a stint replacing Ricciardo last season, looms as a potential replacement. And knowing Red Bull's eagerness to make changes to their teams, highlighted by Nyck de Vries' swift replacement last year, the Honey Badger will be feeling the heat.
"Liam Lawson is there and he's ready," the F1 commentator confirmed.
"(RB's) reason for being is to bring young drivers through. Is that Daniel Ricciardo?"
Ricciardo will continue his 2024 campaign at the Japanese Grand Prix where he will be replaced by Ayumu Iwasa in FP1.
"On Friday, we will use our junior pilot Ayumu Iwasa, an all-Nippon team, in training [practice]," said Helmut Marko in conversation with speedweek.com.
"What's more, the Suzuka circuit should suit the Racing Bulls' car."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Alex Harrington has been a journalist for 8 years, specialising in technology, automotive, and motorsport coverage for the likes of ... Read more
