F1 News: Ricciardo handed MAJOR car boost in teammate battle with Tsunoda

Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo handed MAJOR car boost in teammate battle with Tsunoda

The Aussie has struggled so far this season, but his fortunes could soon change

Sheona Mountford

Monday 8 April 2024 01:00

RB have announced a key change for the Chinese GP involving driver Daniel Ricciardo.

The Australian driver has been subject to scrutiny regarding a dip in his performance, with teammate Yuki Tsunoda eclipsing him by making Q3 the past three weekends.

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Influential figures within Red Bull such as Helmut Marko, have stated they are ‘puzzled’ by Ricciardo’s lack of pace.

Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson has also expressed his desire to drive for RB, and has admitted he will look elsewhere to obtain a full-time seat in F1.

Yuki Tsunoda and teammate Daniel Ricciardo

RB make chassis change for Chinese GP

“It makes sense at all levels to give that to Daniel, not least that Yuki is super happy and super comfortable where he is. We don't have a preference on drivers,” he said.

“With Daniel maybe it's good for him to just put that completely to bed, that there any there any issues with the car.”

“So I don't see it as being a performance differentiator, and it's certainly not something we want to be hopping drivers in and out of. It's a happy accident that we have one coming, and it doesn't make sense to give it to Yuki.

“It makes sense to give it to Daniel, but we're not bringing a new chassis because of his issues, to clear about that. It is just that it all kind of fits together."

“There's no reason that Daniel can't drive the car like it is, in its quickest form. That's clear. I'm pretty sure he understands that and that's what we need to do, is give him the quickest possible car.”

Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo F1 Yuki Tsunoda Liam Lawson Chinese GP