AlphaTauri's transformation: Daniel Ricciardo sees beyond 'junior status'

Ricciardo's journey with AlphaTauri in 2023 wasn't without its twists. Initially sidelined, he stepped into the cockpit at Hungary and Belgium, only to face another setback due to a hand injury after a crash. Despite these challenges, his return in the closing races saw him contribute crucial points, propelling AlphaTauri to an eighth-place finish in the Constructors' Championship.

The Australian driver emphasizes the team's evolution since its Toro Rosso days, stating, "There's definitely some things we found in the car as the season went on." He commends the team's responsiveness to his feedback, declaring, "I feel like this is not a junior team anymore."

Looking ahead to the forthcoming 2024 season, marked by a rebrand and changes in leadership, Ricciardo expresses confidence in AlphaTauri's trajectory. The team's shift away from the Toro Rosso moniker is not merely cosmetic; it symbolizes a new era under the stewardship of Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies. Franz Tost, the long-standing team principal, bids farewell after 18 years.

Ricciardo envisions the team's upward trajectory, stating, "There's a lot in me coming back that's really exciting. There's also a team that is rebuilding, a little bit like how I've kind of done this phase of my career." The synchronicity between his personal journey and the team's rebuilding phase fuels optimism for the future.

Amidst these changes, Ricciardo highlights the team's confidence in him, viewing him not just as a seasoned driver but as a Red Bull driver with a track record of success. He sees parallels between his tenure with Red Bull and AlphaTauri's aspirations, fostering a positive outlook for the collaboration.

As the curtain falls on the 2023 F1 season, teams and drivers prepare for a well-deserved break, gearing up for the 2024 campaign. Official F1 pre-season testing is set to unfold at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 23 to 25, offering a glimpse into the competitive landscape awaiting AlphaTauri and their determined driver, Daniel Ricciardo.

 

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