- The team changed its name from AlphaTauri
- New car presented for the next F1 season
- Ricciardo doesn’t want to just make up numbers
Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has declared his team is now more than just a platform for Red Bull Racing, as he unveils his new car for the 2024 season.
Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri) revealed its latest challenger in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon AEDT.
The team is undergoing more than just a name change; They are moving their UK base to Milton Keynes, where Red Bull Racing is based, and have appointed a new leader.
Laurent Mekies, former Ferrari sporting director, takes over the leadership following the retirement of Franz Tost. This marks a significant change for the team, as Tost had been at the helm since 2005.
Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is feeling good heading into the new season as Visa Cash App RB launches a colorful new car for the 2024 season.
Ricciardo, winner of eight F1 grands prix in his career, is remarkably optimistic about the upcoming season amid these substantial changes.
“There are a lot of new staff, some great partners are coming on board,” Ricciardo told F1.com.
“The team has always taken itself seriously, but I feel like this is a step further.
“It’s no longer just a platform for Red Bull Racing, it’s a time for us to fight at the front of the midfield.
‘I like what has happened, the changes that have occurred. There is something in the team, the mentality is a little different, kind of a point to prove. It’s great. It’s fun.’
In 2023, Ricciardo made a strong impression with the Red Bull junior team, stepping in mid-season to replace Dutch rookie Nick de Vries.
Although he only participated in seven races after joining the team mid-season, Ricciardo faced a setback with a broken wrist suffered during a practice session in Holland.
Visa Cash App RB launches its new vehicle in Las Vegas with a strong blue stripe that accentuates the new car
Daniel Ricciardo and fellow Visa Cash App RB driver Yuki Tsunoda at the launch in Las Vegas
Ricciardo’s notable achievement this season came at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he took seventh place, the team’s best result for any driver last season.
Now, with a full pre-season under his belt, Ricciardo aims to secure a higher grid position in the upcoming races.
“You have to aim high, but being in this sport for so long, you have to be realistic so you don’t end up disappointed,” he told F1.com.
“The goal should be to be in the top five and if we get there maybe some podiums will come along.
‘Do I think top five finishes are on the table and could be on the table in the first half of the season? I would like to think so.
Testing will take place later this month, ahead of the first race of the season in Bahrain on March 3, AEDT.