F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo Would Be "Second Fastest" After Max Verstappen - Helmut Marko
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko shared his confidence in Daniel Ricciardo's performance in pre-season testing yesterday in the VCARB. The team formerly known as AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso, now rebranded as Visa Cash App RB (VCARB), has entered the 2024 season with renewed vigour and an enhanced partnership with Red Bull Racing.
Key Takeaways:
- The rebranded Visa Cash App RB team strengthens ties with Red Bull Racing, signalling a new era for the 2024 F1 season.
- Despite facing on-track disruptions, Daniel Ricciardo impressively clocked the fourth fastest time on the first day of Bahrain winter tests, narrowly missing out on higher placements.
- Helmut Marko asserts Ricciardo's potential for a second-fastest lap, hindered only by interference from other drivers on the track.
Formula 1 is witnessing the resurgence of Visa Cash App RB, stepping into the 2024 season with a strategic alliance with Red Bull Racing and a fresh brand identity. This strategic pivot is accompanied by high expectations from within the team, particularly from Helmut Marko. On the first day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Ricciardo showcased commendable speed, securing the fourth fastest lap time behind F1 notables Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Carlos Sainz. Although it is worth noting that lap times are not fully representative during testing as teams run with various different set-ups.
Ricciardo's approach to the testing was notably cautious, yet his performance hinted at a significant underlying potential within both the driver and the team. Marko's optimism is rooted in the belief that Ricciardo's true capability was masked by unfortunate timing and track congestion.
Marko commented to Auto Motor und Sport, as quoted by GP Blog:
"If Ricciardo had not been hampered by Pierre Gasly yesterday, he would have set the second-fastest lap."
As Visa Cash App RB embarks on this new chapter, the focus is not just on the rebranding but the closer collaboration with Red Bull.