Daniel Ricciardo displays very high ambitions with his VCARB-01

Visa Cash App RB, previously known as AlphaTauri, has unveiled its new race car, the VCARB 01, during a launch event in Las Vegas, showcasing a blue and white livery reminiscent of Toro Rosso.

Racing Bulls (the meaning of the acronym RB, ed.), has undergone restructuring during the winter, and Daniel Ricciardo explained how the team prepared as best as possible before starting the 2024 season. « There are many new staff members and big partners coming on board », he stated to F1.com.

The team has always taken itself seriously, but I feel like it’s on another level now. It’s no longer just a platform for Red Bull Racing, it’s our time to fight at the front of the pack. I love what has happened, the changes that have taken place. There’s something in the team, the mindset is a bit different, as if there’s something to prove. It’s cool. It’s fun.

In addition to its restructuring, the team will also have a closer relationship with the reigning world champions, Red Bull, notably benefiting from the front and rear suspensions, as well as the gearbox, of the Austrian team.

When asked about achievable goals for the team at the beginning of the season, Ricciardo took the bet, while still being cautious, that top 5 finishes would be possible. “You have to aim high, but being in this sport for so long, you want to remain realistic because you don’t want to end up disappointed,” stated the Australian driver about his ambitions. “Could top 5 results be possible in the first half of the season? I would like to think so.”

« The top five should be a goal and if we find ourselves in that position, maybe podium finishes will come. Of course, we want to win, but, you know, let’s… I think we made some progress last year, let’s take a few more steps forward.

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In Bahrain, there is nothing left to lose.

After his premature return at mid-season last year, the winner of eight Grand Prix has been well prepared and is excited to get back behind the wheel. “I’m feeling good,” he declared. “I didn’t need as much vacation as everyone else, with a short 2023 season. It was still nice to go back home, but I didn’t need to let loose as much.”

“I had the preparation, I had a little advantage last year, so I know the team well. In Bahrain, there is nothing left to lose. I can’t predict where we will end up there, but in terms of preparation, there are no more questions,” he expressed.

From a more personal and mental point of view, Ricciardo also feels ready. « [During the pre-season] I was mentally in it, so getting back in the car won’t make me feel like I haven’t driven in a few months. So I expect to get back in the swing of things right away. »

Lastly, it is ensured that the team will persist in its progress, which it began at the end of last season.

I would say that the way we developed the car towards the end of last season is that we definitely found some things that initially worked really well for me. And then, I think Yuki [Tsunoda] found the strengths with his driving style, by putting on a strong performance in Abu Dhabi.

“There are many reasons to remain quite optimistic as the beginning of the year approaches,” he concluded.

Racing Bulls will launch its VCARB 01 for the first time on track during a shakedown, at the Misano circuit in Italy, on Monday, February 12th.