Daniel Ricciardo believes he can no longer ‘underestimate’ his main rival as he looks to secure his future on the Formula 1 grid.
The Visa Cash App RB driver has endured a difficult season in what is supposed to be a year in which he proves himself for a future return to Red Bull.
After hitting a low in Monte Carlo, the Australian bounced back with an impressive weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix by putting in his best qualifying performance and race result of the year.
Pressure has been piled on Ricciardo to perform after the team recently announced the renewal of Yuki Tsunoda‘s contract for 2025, with team principal Laurent Mekies noting his improvements in their official announcement.
Daniel Ricciardo welcomes Yuki Tsunoda ‘challenge’
Ricciardo believes Tsunoda has provided a welcome ‘challenge’ but is wary of needing to improve his performances when asked about the relationship with his teammate in the Spanish GP drivers press conference.
“It’s always hard, especially when you have a new teammate. I did a few races with Yuki last year and at this point, you can’t underestimate anyone. I’ve been in this sport long enough to know that. There are not any more surprises, the level now is so high. We’re familiar with these cars,” said Ricciardo.
“He’s [Tsunoda] having a great year. Absolutely. I think he’s been driving well. It’s a challenge that I’ve welcomed. I’ve certainly had a few more lower weekends this year than he has, but I want to be pushed and see where my potential is.
“So he’s good. Technically as well, his feedback has been good. I think we’ve been very aligned this year. When I joined the team last year, I had a few different opinions on where the car should be or how I wanted it set up. We’ve definitely come a lot closer now. That’s also probably helped give the team some clear direction.”
Can Daniel Ricciardo beat Yuki Tsunoda?
Tsunoda has been outperforming Riccairdo in their first full season together as teammates, but the Australian showed signs of his former self in Canada.
The race in Montreal was frantic for Tsunoda, while Ricciardo showed the best of his abilities in the changing conditions. He was given a new chassis by the team for the race in China and was also on course for a points finish before being punted off by Lance Stroll.
Below is the current head-to-head between the two drivers, indicating that Ricciardo will need to pick up his form over the next few races if he wants to impress the Red Bull bosses.
Liam Lawson is in the wings waiting to be promoted having impressed Helmut Marko, having been assured by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner that his time would come.
RB plans to bring a significant update to their car at the Spanish Grand Prix to both drivers, and it will be here where Ricciardo will need to impress and reduce the 10-point deficit to his teammate to avoid being ousted at the end of the season.
The post ‘It’s a challenge’: Daniel Ricciardo admits he simply ‘can’t underestimate’ 80-point Formula 1 rival anymore appeared first on F1 Oversteer.