F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo Stands Firm On VCARB – “No Longer A Red Bull Junior Team”

Daniel Ricciardo’s assertion that the Visa Cash App RB team is “standing on their own two feet” marks a significant shift in the team’s identity within Formula 1.

Key Takeaways:

• Daniel Ricciardo asserts the RB squad’s independence in Formula 1, distancing it from its previous identity as a Red Bull junior team.
• The team’s evolution from Toro Rosso to its current VCARB branding marks a new chapter, aiming for a more competitive stance in the F1 grid.
• Ricciardo’s return to full-time racing with AlphaTauri in 2023 signified a fresh start after a challenging period with McLaren.

The landscape of Formula 1 is witnessing a notable transformation as the VCARB team, formerly known as Toro Rosso and then AlphaTauri, embarks on a new era of autonomy, according to Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo. This declaration comes amidst the team’s rebranding efforts and Ricciardo’s return to the sport’s forefront after a hiatus.

Historically, the Faenza-based outfit has played a crucial role in nurturing talent for Red Bull Racing, launching the careers of prominent drivers like Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Ricciardo himself. However, the transition to the VCARB name symbolises a departure from this model, with Ricciardo emphasising the team’s newfound independence and competitive aspirations. Ricciardo commented, as quoted by Motorsportweek.com:

“Visa Cash App RB, it’s another phase of this team’s career.

“It’s a time where I feel that, yes, we have some amazing partners on board who are gonna help us get closer to the front of the grid.

“But I feel like it’s a time where we’re no longer seen as just a Red Bull kind of junior team.

“It’s a team that’s standing on their own two feet. And I think for other teams to take us seriously, this is the chapter I feel we are about to start.”

Ricciardo’s sentiments underline a shift in perception for the team, indicating a desire to be recognized as a formidable force in their own right, rather than merely an extension of Red Bull Racing’s developmental program. As the VCARB team continues to carve its path in Formula 1, Ricciardo’s confidence in their independence sets a tone for the challenges and successes that lie ahead.