Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo has had a disappointing start to his 2024 campaign in the world of motorsport. He has been overshadowed by his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, in the early stages of the season. Despite his lackluster performances, the CEO of VCARB, Peter Bayer, has come to Ricciardo’s defense and explained why he believes the Australian deserves to continue racing, despite concerns about his diminishing speed.
Ricciardo has been completely outperformed by Tsunoda within their team at VCARB so far. To add insult to injury, Tsunoda even managed to secure an eighth-place finish at Ricciardo’s home race, while the Australian failed to score any points. The 34-year-old’s lack of pace has raised doubts among those in the paddock about whether he should retain his seat on the grid, especially with young talents waiting for an opportunity to prove themselves.
There were rumors circulating in the paddock that Ricciardo had been given a two-race ultimatum to improve his performance. However, Peter Bayer has decided to support Ricciardo’s position on the team by highlighting his value to the Faenza-based operation. Bayer explained that the team needs an experienced driver like Ricciardo, who can provide guidance and direction based on his extensive experience in the sport.
Bayer further elaborated that VCARB has undergone a rebranding and now has different ambitions. The team no longer wants to be seen as a junior team to Red Bull but aims to establish its own independent identity. This is where Ricciardo comes in as a perfect fit, as his years of experience on the grid can help the team achieve its new goals.
Despite facing constant speculation about his future with Red Bull, Ricciardo remains motivated to perform at his best. However, his optimism has taken a hit in recent races, as Tsunoda has been the one leading the team. This has left Ricciardo feeling confused and determined to prove himself by taking control of the VCARB 01 car and showcasing his racing skills.
Ricciardo admits that he is perplexed by Tsunoda’s superior pace. He trusts the car and understands its capabilities, but he struggles to comprehend how his teammate can extract more performance from the same package. As a result, Ricciardo has been asking the team numerous questions in an effort to gain a better understanding and improve his own performance.
Ricciardo’s determination to understand the VCARB01 and perform better is unwavering. The upcoming races will be crucial for the former race winner, as he strives to regain his competitive edge and prove that he still has what it takes to succeed.