F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo Wants VCARB Chassis Replacement Before Being 'S**t' Shamed

Saajan Jogia | Apr 5, 2024

Nov 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alpha Tauri driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia (3) arrives / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Following teammate Yuki Tsunoda's superior performance throughout the 2024 season thus far, VCARB driver Daniel Ricciardo disclosed the potential necessity for a chassis change on the 2024 F1 car, known as VCARB01, to improve handling and pace. He emphasized that his performance shouldn't be criticized as "s**t" until this adjustment is made.

Key Takeaways:

• Daniel Ricciardo, driving for VCARB, acknowledges his underperformance compared to his teammate Yuki Tsunoda in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
• Ricciardo suggests potential changes to his car, including a chassis change, to improve performance.
• Despite finishing P12 at the Australian Grand Prix, Ricciardo emphasizes that his current struggles do not reflect his past challenges with McLaren.

Ricciardo was anticipated to assume the role of the lead driver for Red Bull's sister team this season. However, Tsunoda's impressive performance has prompted speculation regarding the Australian driver's form. Ricciardo openly acknowledged feeling the pressure but clarified that adjustments were made to his car before the Australian Grand Prix. Additionally, he confirmed that further modifications to his car were scheduled ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix. Speaking to the media, he stated:

“Since Saudi, we changed a few things.

"And then probably for China, we’ll change a few more things.

“We’re obviously trying to make sure that everything is good and there are no flaws in anything. And it’s just obviously for us peace of mind because we have obviously explored quite a bit.

“I’ve done a full pre-season and I jumped in last year and I was on the pace straight away in Budapest and this year feels like I’m a little bit behind, even with better prep and more experience with the car and the team.

“So that’s why we’re just making sure that we’re not missing something that is kind of out of our control for now.”

Scuderia AlphaTauri drivers Yuki Tsunoda, left, and Daniel Ricciardo, right, wave to the crowd / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

Ricciardo further revealed that discussions within the team have included the possibility of incorporating a chassis change as part of the modifications. He said:

“I have certainly addressed that.

“Just again to make sure… there has been in the past a bit of difference. You know, obviously, I’ve driven F1 a long time now, but you can find some differences. So that was certainly something I raised the possibility of if we still are struggling.

“Before we tell me ‘I’m s**t’, let’s get that sorted and put to bed.”

At Ricciardo's home race in Melbourne two weeks ago, he secured a P12 finish, contrasting with Tsunoda's achievement of qualifying in the top ten and clinching P7 within points. Ricciardo clarified that his current performance doesn't mirror the struggles of his McLaren days. He added:

“It’s probably, what we’re chasing is a little bit of as always downforce, a bit of rear grip.

“To be honest, I struggled a little bit in the high speed in Melbourne and Saudi.

“Saudi we did see we were down a bit, so we kind of felt like we had a bit of an explanation for that. But it was still the case in Melbourne through kind of Turn 9 and 10 where I was down a bit compared to Yuki.

“I think we probably focus a little bit of our set-up on those areas to give me that confidence, and then I think the low and medium speed stuff, we’re pretty much there.

“And then probably on top of that, it’s just important… it is not a McLaren situation.

“So I think it’s just important now that I just keep working with my engineers, and we don’t start taking too many suggestions or advice from the outside.

“Of course, I would have wanted more results from the first few races, I’m not happy with it of course. But it’s important that we just stay on course, ultimately, and don’t get sidetracked.”

Nov 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alpha Tauri driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia (3) arrives / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports