F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo admits RB uncertainty after home race horror

Ricciardo, socials, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Australian Grand Prix

Ricciardo admits RB uncertainty after home race horror

Daniel Ricciardo believes that he can still deliver for Visa Cash App RB

Shay Rogers

Saturday 23 March 2024 11:42

Daniel Ricciardo is unsure where his 2024 Formula 1 season is faltering, after a poor run of form which has seen him come under pressure.

The Australian has been outshone by his Visa Cash App RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda so far this year, as pressure mounts regarding his prospects of a future Red Bull drive.

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He has no guarantee of a seat for 2025 and is aware that the next ten races may play a massive role in his career trajectory.

He isn't making the current task any easier, after being knocked out in 18th place after Q1 at the Australian Grand Prix - a home event that he loves dearly.

Should he find a way to score points and start beating Tsunoda, then he could well force himself into the frame for a seat at his former team in Red Bull.

But he’s a long way from achieving that prophecy currently, having been knocked out of Q1 in Melbourne and outqualified by Tsunoda at all three events this season.

Daniel Ricciardo hasn't mad much to smile about recently

VCARB have no contracted drivers beyond 2024

Ricciardo: I've got the confidence

Speaking about his performances of late, Ricciardo claims his confidence is still at a high level and not part of the reason for a downturn in fortunes.

“It’s just in the stopwatch. I feel like I’ve got the confidence in the car. I think I’m putting everything into it,” he told Sky Sports.

“I know what I am capable of and those laps I know when I’ve crossed the line and those laps are normally a little better in terms of competitiveness.

“We’ve just been pushing and not really getting the result. We’ll look into it, I’m still a bit unsure about a few things, but I think going into the session, the confidence is there.”

Before Ricciardo gets a chance to look ahead at any opportunities ahead of him, he may well be forced to worry about what is behind him with Red Bull junior driver Liam Lawson waiting in the wings.

The Kiwi made his discontent clear last season after VCARB decided to announce Ricciardo alongside Tsunoda and wouldn’t need an invitation to take the ‘Honey Badger’s’ seat away from him.

Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo Yuki Tsunoda Australian Grand Prix Marko