Daniel Ricciardo admits he ‘struggled’ in first half of 2024 after failing to replace Sergio Perez
Daniel Ricciardo failed to convince Red Bull to earn a promotion to the Milton Keynes-based team after the summer break.
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Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)
The first half of the 2024 was like navigating through a minefield for RB driver Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian faced a lot of setbacks during his run at most of the races this season. He managed to finish as high as fourth that too in sprint races of the Miami GP. However, he was rumored to replace Sergio Perez in the main Red Bull team, as Perez lost his form in between of the season and the team wanted him replaced. But the team decided to not make any changes and let Checo be their driver for the final half of the season.
Daniel Ricciardo stated that he wished the first part of the 2024 season had gone well for him, but it didn’t. He admitted that he faced many difficulties and struggles and was not performing as well as he hoped. The Aussie was even believed to be in talks of replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull, but eventually failed to do that. Red Bull confirmed after the Belgian GP that Perez would remain with the team amidst the results in Belgium. Ricciardo realized he needed to improve and perform better to prove he’s better than Checo. For now, he remains with Red Bull’s sister team, RB, and is set to continue his journey at Faenza.
I would have loved the whole first half to have been strong – it wasn’t the case. I obviously had my struggles in the first kind of half, and it was clear I needed to pick it up and find something.Daniel Ricciardo told Formula1.com
Ricciardo reflected from his recent performance since Montreal the pressure on him has been building up. Despite facing challenges, he pointed out that the race in Silverstone was an exception. His performance in the subsequent races have more closely aligned with what he believed he’s capable of achieving. This suggested a positive trend as Ricciardo seems to be improving day by day.
I look back, since Montreal, the pressure probably started to build, other than Silverstone, which was a bit of an outlier. I feel like the races have been much more in line with what I’m capable of.Daniel Ricciardo added
Daniel Ricciardo claims every point counts in the midfield battle
Daniel Ricciardo explained that in the close competition among teams in the middle of the standings, every point mattered. He felt he had a strong race and did his best, but other drivers were also performing well. Despite being in 10th place at the Belgian GP final laps left, he stated Esteban Ocon was able to move ahead of him. He explained that this was because Ocon’s superior speed and fresher tires allowed him to overtake the Aussie.
Every point counts in this midfield battle. I feel like we did a really strong race, but unfortunately some other guys also did a strong race. We had 10th with a few laps to go, but Ocon was bit quicker.Daniel Ricciardo stated.
Certainly, Daniel Ricciardo believed he drove well at the Belgian GP but due to improper tire management he was only able to finish in 10th place. For now Red Bull confirmed there will be no alterations regarding their drivers and both Ricciardo and Perez will stay. Fans hope Ricciardo’s final phase of the 2024 season turns out well and he scores points.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)