Daniel Ricciardo has stressed that the rebranded RB Formula 1 team is no longer “just a platform for Red Bull” and has targeted “top five results” from the outset this year.
After the Faenza-based squad endured a tumultuous start to the previous campaign, it was revealed the team would benefit from forging a closer alliance with Red Bull.
This was evidenced in Singapore when the side, then known as AlphaTauri, introduced a substantial upgrade package in Singapore comprising the reigning champion’s rear suspension, which – along with several floor revisions – elevated the side up to eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Along with utilising more components from Red Bull, RB has expanded its presence in the United Kingdom by moving its aero department to a facility in Milton Keynes, where the parent company is housed.
According to Ricciardo, RB, who launched its VCARB 01 car in Las Vegas, is bidding to maintain that late-season momentum with an outside chance of podiums during 2024.
“You have to aim high, but being in this sport so long, you want to remain realistic as you don’t want to end up ultimately disappointed,” Ricciardo told the F1 website.
“Top five [finishes] should be a target and if we get into that position, maybe some podiums present themselves. Of course, we want to win but, you know, let’s… I think we made steps last year, let’s make a few more steps.
“Do I think top-five results are on the table – and could they be on the table in the first half of the season? I’d like to think so.”
The revamp of Red Bull’s second-string entry has seen Visa and Cash App come on board as title partners, while last year marked Franz Tost’s final season at the helm.
The long-serving Austrian stepped down from a full-time role, with ex-Ferrari Racing Director Laurent Mekies becoming Team Principal to work alongside CEO Peter Bayer.
Ricciardo insists that the widespread changes and increased collaboration with Red Bull have outlined the beginning of a more competitive era for the team in F1.
“There are a lot of new personnel, some big partners coming onboard,” Ricciardo added. “The team has always taken itself seriously, but I feel like this is another step up.
“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’s happened, the changes that have taken place. There’s something about the team, the mindset is a bit different, kind of like a point to prove. It’s cool. It’s fun.”
Having been axed by McLaren at the end of 2022, Ricciardo returned to the Red Bull stable and was handed an F1 reprieve when Nyck de Vries was ousted after 10 races last year.
Although he was sidelined for five races with a broken hand sustained in a crash at Zandvoort, the Australian, who is bidding to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull in 2025, believes his comeback gig last season has prepared him well for the coming campaign.
“Feeling good,” he said. “I didn’t need as much of an off-season as everyone else, with a short 2023. It was still nice to go home, but I didn’t need to let my hair down so much.
“It’s like a pre-season now, I had all that, I had the preparation, I had a bit of a headstart last year – so I know the team well. Come Bahrain, there’s nothing left on the table. I can’t predict where we’ll finish there, but from a preparation point of view, there’s no more questions.
“Personally, the off-season didn’t feel like I was just on the couch. I mentally stayed in it so getting back in the car won’t feel like I haven’t driven for a few months – so I expect to get back into the swing straight away.
“I would say the way we developed the car through the tail end of last season, and we definitely found some things which at first definitely worked for me, and then I think Yuki [Tsunoda] found the strengths in it with his driving style, having a good Abu Dhabi.
“There is a lot to stay pretty upbeat about coming into the start of the year.”
