"Consistently top ten" - Daniel Ricciardo lays out goal for Visa CashApp RB team
Daniel Ricciardo says the new name for the Visa Cash App RB Formula One team should force a change in perception from their rivals as they fight to be top of the F1 midfield.
Daniel Ricciardo says the newly rebranded Visa Cash App RB team should be “consistently top ten” if it wants to lead the F1 midfield. (Will Cornelius/Visa Cash App RB)
“How I feel about it, is a way for the outside, other teams or other people who think it’s just a Red Bull junior team, I think its a way for everyone to take us more seriously,” said the Australian at the team launch on Thursday.
As the team revealed its new branding at a star-studded event in Las Vegas, Ricciardo said it was a chance to change attitudes both inside and outside the team.
“It’s a year where we stand on our own two feet, we have some serious partners on board.”
“I think that’s massively beneficial for us as a team, the structure’s changed a lot, a lot of new personnel coming in, and trying to really build something that’s going to find, we all hope for now, the front of the midfield.”
Visa Cash App RB drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo in Las Vegas. (Getty Images/Visa Cash App RB)
The now-F1-veteran said the team is determined to be at the front of the midfield in the 2024 Formula 1 field.
“We look good, that’s cool. It’s a nice thing, of course, presentation, it’s a big thing for us, but performance is of course primary, and we’ll have to see how that goes on track.”
“But we’ve got the looking good part down and hopefully everyone else likes it too.”
“We want to be fighting at the front of the midfield, so if we’re consistently a Q3 car, consistently getting points, [and] top tens, and not just the odd race, maybe a 6th and then a 15th.”
“Because consistency really shows you understand the car and the team has a good grasp on it, and I think that can then help you go another step closer to the front.”
“Consistency, that’s what I’m going for.”
The team now heads to testing in Bahrain before the season begins at the Bahrain Grand Prix, 1-3 March.
Watch every session of the 2024 Formula One season live in 4K on Kayo Sports.
