WATCH: Daniel Ricciardo breaks silence on ex-F1 World Champion Alan Jones’ claims that the RB driver has ‘passed his best’

Daniel Ricciardo has not got off to the best of starts during the ongoing 2024 F1 season.

WATCH: Daniel Ricciardo breaks silence on ex-F1 World Champion Alan Jones’ claims that the RB driver has ‘passed his best’

Daniel Ricciardo and Alan Jones (Via: Imago)

The 2024 season has not begun the way Daniel Ricciardo would have hoped for after trailing his teammate in both qualifying and races. Following his poor run of performances, former world champion, Alan Jones boldly claimed that the Aussie was past his prime. This has now led the 34-year-old to react to the claims and give his views on the situation.

Alan Jones is the 1980 world champion. Moreover, the 77-year-old is a revered figure worldwide. Ricciardo returned to the F1 grid last year at the Hungarian Grand Prix but has struck a run of misfortune in recent times.

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Following this, Jones had taken a dig at his young compatriot and claimed that the former eight-time Grand Prix winner was past his best. Due to this statement, an upcry was witnessed in the paddock, and the VCARB driver took up himself to react strongly.

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When asked whether Ricciardo has got to prove something ahead of his home Grand Prix, the Aussie stated “Not at all” dismissing Jones’s claims. However, despite Ricciardo dismissing the claim, rumors around the paddock have been making the rounds regarding the end of his career. Subsequently, the VCARB driver would be aware of this and thus, ramp up his preparations for the upcoming races to leave a good impression on the Red Bull hierarchy.

Daniel Ricciardo feels VCARB has benefitted from his experience

Daniel Ricciardo is a driver with a plethora of experience. He has entered around 250 Grand Prix in his career and has been with a range of teams up and down the grid. This makes the 34-year-old an attractive proposition for any team because of his vast experience.

Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)

Ricciardo asserted that an experienced driver provides a team, a direction, and how to improve upon its flaws.

The team was struggling a bit at the time, and I could see that my experience was helping. The way the team responded to what I had to say, the questions they asked.
Daniel Ricciardo said in an interview with The Age

The Australian explained that when he joined the team, the VCARB (AlphaTauri) was struggling. However, with the precise and mature feedback that he provided, the team was able to work on its crucial issues.

However, while the Aussie feels that he has contributed at VCARB, he is under pressure and would be hoping for a better result at his home race this weekend. Moreover, the Red Bull veteran is the lead candidate for a return back to Milton Keynes if Sergio Perez falls behind in the championship this season.

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