Daniel Ricciardo has initiated his season optimistically with RB F1 during the Misano shakedown, sparking hope despite uncertain car performance.
Daniel Ricciardo is pleased to have kicked off his season with RB F1, which conducted its shakedown in Misano, Italy, this week. The Faenza-based team did not get a clear read on the car’s performance, but the Australian driver is happy about a positive initial test run.
“Every year, we’re excited about a new car, which offers new opportunities. The livery is beautiful, and it’s great to have been able to do some laps after the Christmas break. It’s hard to say where we’ll be but I felt good behind the wheel,” Ricciardo stated.
“Returning to Red Bull has made me feel whole again, being back in the family. And with RB F1, it’s a new phase in the team’s career, we have new partners who will help us progress and we will no longer be seen as Red Bull’s B team, we will be taken seriously.”
Now, Ricciardo looks forward to Bahrain: “Pre-season testing is important for us. As a driver, you want to get your eyes and senses back in action. And as a team, we want to come together again as a team because we quickly run out of time and testing helps do that.”
The Hope for a Podium in Italy
His teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, also celebrates a positive day during the shakedown. While he has no gauge on the car’s performance, the Japanese driver felt better behind the wheel of the Italian single-seater.
“I felt good on track, the first run of the VCARB 01 went well. I noticed some small improvements from the end of last year, and a huge step forward from the same time last year,” Tsunoda analyzed.
“It’s amazing to have a new car, a new livery, a new team, it was a good day. The car seemed easier to drive, there were no characteristic problems so far, so it’s very positive.”
Entering his fourth season in Formula 1, he explains what makes him eager at the start of the year: “Like every year, I’m looking forward to my home Grand Prix. Besides that, I’m excited to race.”
“And I also like Texas, and the city itself. These are the two circuits I’m looking forward to, and there are also Imola and Monza, our home races where we’d like to score points or even get a podium.”
RB’s Disappointing Launch
The first presentation of Red Bull’s rebranded team, RB, was criticized for its lack of organization and commitment to fans and the media.
Information about the Las Vegas event was not sufficiently disseminated, and no streaming was offered. Images of the car were released in a way that was inconvenient for the majority of F1 fans and media. Critics argued that the event did not target fans or media, marking a lukewarm start to a new era.
The methods used were deemed alienating and poorly communicated, giving the impression that the team prioritizes financial interests over engaging with supporters. The car itself was the only aspect spared from criticism; its design was praised as a missed opportunity to showcase a remarkable product.
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