Rival driver admits confusion at Ricciardo nosedive

Daniel Ricciardo’s future in F1 is in doubt after a lacklustre start to the season – and former team-mate Nico Hulkenberg has been left confused by his poor form.

Ricciardo made his return to the sport halfway through 2023 to replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri and despite Liam Lawson replacing him after he missed five races with a broken wrist, the Aussie put in some respectful performances.

READ MORE: DtS star Guenther Steiner lands SECOND new role after Haas exit

The 34-year-old was retained by the team as they rebranded to Visa Cash App RB for the 2024 season, but he has endured a difficult start to the year.

Ricciardo has been outpaced by his team-mate Yuki Tsunoda at all three races so far this season, with the Japanese driver scoring the team’s first points in Australia with a seventh-place finish.

Hulkenberg: I don't understand Ricciardo's poor form

“No, it doesn't really make sense and I don't understand it,” said the Haas driver.

“Because in 2019, he was very competitive and on the pace.

READ MORE: Mercedes team boss claims F1 has a 'MASSIVE problem' after FIA investigation

“Since then [he’s struggled], the McLaren times, which obviously was still the same generation cars [compared to] the new generation cars.”

“It's tricky, especially from the outside, if you don't have all the info and all the data, it's tricky to judge,” he added.

“But yeah, I don't know why. I think he’s still good, but back then he was stronger maybe.”

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: American F1 star reveals the 'biggest change' he's made this season

Related

More F1 news

Full News Feed

US tennis sensation Serena Williams opens up on Lewis Hamilton friendship

• Yesterday 23:00

Daniel Ricciardo opens up on 'not normal' life in the F1 paddock

• Yesterday 21:00

Fernando Alonso drives incredibly rare $10m supercar around Monaco

• Yesterday 19:00

Charles Leclerc's new $20m yacht christened in lavish ceremony

• Yesterday 17:00

Daniel Ricciardo reveals excitement over legendary race

• May 8, 2026 23:00

Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian spark fresh buzz after Broadway appearance

• May 8, 2026 21:00