Daniel Ricciardo, Bahrain Pre-season testing
Daniel Ricciardo has attempted to downplay speculation that the VCARB 01 is simply a replica of the RB19, stating that the Faenza team’s new Formula 1 car is not a “pink Mercedes.”
The team, formerly known as AlphaTauri, had a strong finish to the 2023 season by following a similar development path as Red Bull.
RB is now seen as more than just a Red Bull junior team and is fighting for its own goals.
This has led to some speculation that the VCARB 01 is merely a copy of the RB19, similar to Racing Point’s RP20 compared to the 2019 Mercedes W10. However, Ricciardo has denied this.
“We will find out in 48 hours, but I believe some people think that’s the case and that we will be like Aston last year or the Pink Mercedes from a few years ago,” said the Australian on Wednesday.
“Let’s wait and see. I would be pleasantly surprised if we are fighting for a podium.
“But once we get the results this weekend, I think people will calm down.”
Aston Martin, previously Racing Point, caused a stir when it unveiled its RP20 car at the beginning of the 2020 F1 season.
The car was competitive and bore a striking resemblance to the championship-winning Mercedes W10 from the previous year, leading to criticism from other teams.
In terms of legality, it was later discovered that Racing Point had illegally used Mercedes’ brake duct design on their own car – a component that teams are required to manufacture themselves.
As a result, Racing Point was fined €400,000 and had 15 points deducted from the Constructors’ championship, and there was a crackdown on copycat designs overall.
Ricciardo asserts that any similarities between the VCARB 01 and Red Bull are within the regulations and nothing more.
“Obviously, there are certain components that we are allowed to use and things like that,” he explained.
“But it is not to the extent that some people may think or hope for.”
In the realm of tabloid journalism, the question arises as to where the team will place in the pecking order in Bahrain, as Ricciardo’s dismissal of RB’s lack of original design eliminates the possibility of a podium finish.
As AlphaTauri, RB secured eighth place in the Constructors’ standings in 2023, accumulating a total of 25 points.
Ricciardo’s teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, expressed his initial impression of the VCARB 01 during a filming day, stating that the car surpassed its predecessor.
Following pre-season testing, RB’s competitors anticipate the team’s readiness to challenge the front-runners in the midfield, and perhaps even at the forefront of the starting grid.
Ricciardo, however, has ruled out the latter possibility, but has set his sights on competing for points throughout the weekend.
“After testing, we have gained some insight into the gap between us and the leaders,” Ricciardo remarked.
“Give or take a few tenths, it is still a significant margin. Realistically, I believe there are some teams that fall within that range.
“If we could conclude this event with a Q3 qualification and some points, we would be extremely satisfied.
“However, I must admit that I am still uncertain and cannot definitively state that we will achieve Q3 and earn points.”