F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo 'unsure' why he's well off the pace after qualifying nightmare

Ricciardo, socials, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Australian Grand Prix

Ricciardo 'unsure' why he's well off the pace after qualifying nightmare

The honey badger believes that he can still deliver for Visa Cash App RB this season

Shay Rogers

Saturday 23 March 2024 18:00

Daniel Ricciardo has been left scratching his head after only qualifying 18th for his home race on Saturday (March 23).

The Perth native was once again outshone by his Visa Cash App RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, who qualified P8 for Sunday's Australian GP.

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Ricciardo 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 by the time the middle of the season arrives.

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.

But he’s a long way from achieving that prophecy currently, having been knocked out of Q1 at his home race 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 said.

“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 Visa Cash App RB Australian GP