RB F1 Makes a Strong Statement in Melbourne: Tsunoda Scores Points as Ricciardo Shows Promise
Melbourne, Australia – The newly rebranded RB F1 team made an immediate impact during the Australian Grand Prix, with Yuki Tsunoda delivering an impressive performance to secure vital points for the team. Tsunoda finished eighth on track but was elevated to seventh following Fernando Alonso’s penalty. Team Principal Laurent Mekies lauded the Japanese driver’s flawless weekend while highlighting Daniel Ricciardo’s fighting spirit and pace.
Tsunoda Leads the Charge for RB F1
Speaking after the race, Mekies expressed his delight with the team’s first points under its new identity.
“This is an extremely positive result for us here in Australia,” he said. “Yuki delivered a quick, well-executed race, leading the midfield with composure and earning us our first points of the season. His performance was faultless from start to finish, showcasing calm, focus, and an ability to improve with every session.”
Mekies also commented on Ricciardo’s recovery drive: “Daniel demonstrated strong pace, but unfortunately, starting from the back of the grid limited his opportunities. Climbing to 12th was a great effort, and there’s no doubt he would have been in the points with a better starting position.”
He continued, “The entire team operated at a very high level all weekend, and in such a competitive midfield, it required a near-perfect execution to deliver this result. Congratulations to everyone in Faenza, Bicester, and our Honda colleagues for their hard work.”
Looking ahead to the Japanese Grand Prix, Mekies added: “This result gives us momentum heading to Japan, but we remain fully aware of the need to keep pushing if we’re to maintain even a slight edge over our rivals.”
Tsunoda’s Maturity Shines Through
Jody Egginton, RB F1’s Technical Director, echoed the sentiments, commending the team’s efforts and Tsunoda’s development as a driver.
“After the frustration of the first two races, where our potential wasn’t reflected in the results, it’s hugely satisfying to see the team’s hard work rewarded with points,” Egginton said. “Yuki performed strongly throughout the weekend and drove with a maturity and confidence that were excellent to see. I’m sure he’s as pleased as we are with this result.”
While Ricciardo faced challenges, Egginton praised the Australian driver’s determination: “Daniel’s weekend was more complex, but he worked tirelessly with his engineers to optimise the car’s setup. Despite the final result, his progress is evident, and we’re optimistic about turning that into points in the near future.”
Building Momentum for the Season Ahead
Reflecting on the first three races of the season, Egginton emphasised the team’s focus on continuous improvement.
“We’ve gained a strong understanding of the car and are now better positioned to capitalise on its strengths,” he noted. “The midfield battle is incredibly tight, so we must ensure every update delivers and weekends like this are replicated. This approach will be key to maintaining our competitiveness.”
With the Japanese Grand Prix next on the calendar, RB F1 is poised to build on its Australian success, aiming to consolidate its position and fight for more points as the season progresses.
Key Takeaways from Melbourne
- Points Secured: Yuki Tsunoda’s P7 finish brings RB F1 its first points of the season.
- Strong Team Performance: A near-flawless execution across the team ensured a competitive result.
- Encouraging Signs: Despite challenges, Daniel Ricciardo showcased potential for future points finishes.
- Midfield Focus: The team is committed to leveraging every opportunity in a tightly contested midfield.
RB F1’s Australian success sets the tone for an exciting phase of the championship, as they aim to carry this momentum forward into the upcoming races.
Yuki’s Mature Drive Delivers Season’s First Points. Yuki’s Mature Drive Delivers Season’s First Points
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