Daniel Ricciardo in China — Photo: © IMAGO

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Ricciardo reveals HUGE RB weakness that makes on-track battles a 'struggle'

The Aussie has revealed how an F1 team can improve their results this season

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Wednesday 29 May 2024 23:00

Daniel Ricciardo has identified a key area a F1 team must improve in to progress this season.

The Australian has struggled so far in 2024, failing to match the pace of his teammate Yuki Tsnoda, and has been involved in various collisions.

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Ricciardo exited the Japanese Grand Prix on the first lap following an incident with Alexander Albon.

Additionally, he was involved in a dramatic collision with Lance Stroll in China resulting in a three-place grid penalty that carried over to Miami.

Daniel Ricciardo did not get past lap one in Japan

Daniel Ricciardo and Lance Stroll had a dramatic exchange during the Chinese Grand Prix

Can Ricciardo improve his form?

Alternatively, Tsunoda has achieved multiple top ten finishes this season, and continues to bring in a decent haul of points for RB.

The gulf in performance has added fuel to the rumours that Ricciardo will be replaced with reserve driver Liam Lawson.

However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has dismissed these claims, defending Ricciardo against critics.

In a recent interview with the Racer, Ricciardo established the key to achieving better results for RB.

“It’s not the same when we’re in traffic. I was able to use the pace and have a clear track and use the downforce and the grip of the car, but in battles and with dirty air we struggle,” he said.

Daniel Ricciardo identifies how RB can make gains

“It just goes back to qualifying — it’s so important. I was upset with the grip I had on that set of tires , but I’ll always look at myself as well and I could have still done a little bit better here and there, so I still hold myself accountable for the sessions like that.

“We know we’re quick, but we’re not quick enough to start at the back and chop through the field. We’re simply not, so we need to qualify better.”

Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo Yuki Tsunoda Liam Lawson Helmut Marko Lance Stroll