The Formula 1 paddock has descended on Japan with the fourth race of the 2024 season set to take place at Suzuka this weekend.
It’s an iconic track where multiple championships have been secured over the years, although the reshuffle of this season’s calendar sees the race moved much closer to the start of the campaign.
Several drivers are already under pressure, and journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm spoke to one of them on Thursday.
Formula 1 chassis aren’t normally a big talking point during a race weekend.
It’s one of the key components of a car and as Logan Sargent discovered in Australia, vital to taking part in a Grand Prix.
He had to give his up in Melbourne after Alex Albon destroyed his in practice but he will be back on track – albeit without a spare once again – this weekend.
However, Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo has also been considering a new chassis.
The 34-year-old has struggled this season and was outclassed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda at the previous race.
He needs to find some answers soon to quash some of the rumours surrounding his immediate future.
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Daniel Ricciardo admits considering new chassis
It’s been a very frustrating campaign for Daniel Ricciardo considering how much promise there was before the season began.
The newly-named Visa Cash App RB team have tightened their ties with current champions Red Bull and there was an uptick in their performances during pre-season.
However, that wasn’t converted into results immediately, with RB one of the five teams left fighting for the final points-paying positions.
There have been question marks over Ricciardo’s car which is why a new chassis is being discussed.
He was left ‘puzzled’ by the gap between his car and Yuki Tsunoda’s in qualifying and even if he hadn’t had his lap time in Q1 deleted, didn’t think he would have been able to match his pace.
Ricciardo searching for answers after tough start to 2024
Posting on social media, Mitchell-Malm said: “Asked Daniel Ricciardo if a new chassis has been discussed to rule out an undetected car problem: “That was certainly something I raised the possibility of if I’m still struggling. Before we just tell me I’m s—, let’s at least get that sorted and put everything to bed.””
Driving for the RB team is always a precarious task given its position in the Red Bull hierarchy.
In the past, Red Bull drivers have been shifted to the sister team when they’ve been underperforming, allowing them to continue in Formula 1.
That allows for the chance of a promotion for the RB drivers, with both current racers admitting they would love to drive for the current champions.
However, the Red Bull Junior Team is full of impressive young talents with one in particular standing out.
Liam Lawson drove Ricciardo’s car last season after he broke his hand and was really impressive.
He looks set to join the grid in 2025, but his management has had to deny that he’s going to replace the Australian sooner than that.
Ricciardo will be searching for answers to his lack of pace in Japan and will hope that he doesn’t need a new chassis to fix those issues.
As Williams have shown, it’s not easy to build a new chassis and have one delivered to the other side of the world if required.
The post ‘Something I raised’: 34-year-old driver has discussed new chassis after difficult start to 2024 season appeared first on F1 Oversteer.