In a candid admission, Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri, has acknowledged that the entire organization bears responsibility for failing to provide Daniel Ricciardo with the support needed to succeed.
The revelation comes as Ricciardo’s performance continues to be a focal point during his second stint in Formula 1.
Ricciardo, a proven race winner and fan favorite, returned to the grid with AlphaTauri earlier this season after a brief hiatus. However, his time with the team has been plagued by challenges, including inconsistent results and a lack of competitiveness in the car. While the Australian driver’s talent is unquestionable, the team’s struggles have prevented him from showcasing his full potential.
AlphaTauri’s team principal, Franz Tost, addressed the situation during a recent media briefing. “We’ve let Daniel down,” Tost admitted. “The entire team takes responsibility for not giving him the tools to succeed. Daniel is a world-class driver, and he deserves a car capable of competing at the highest level.”
The admission highlights the broader challenges faced by AlphaTauri this season. As Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri operates with fewer resources and a different set of priorities, often focusing on developing young talent rather than competing for top results. However, Ricciardo’s return brought heightened expectations, and the team’s inability to meet them has drawn criticism.
Despite the setbacks, Ricciardo has maintained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return to Formula 1. “I’m here to race and give it my all,” Ricciardo said in a recent interview. “It’s been tough, but I’m committed to helping the team improve and pushing for better results.”
The team’s acknowledgment of its shortcomings could mark a turning point as they aim to rebuild for the future. Tost emphasized the need for improvement across all areas, from car development to race strategy. “We’re taking a hard look at ourselves and making the changes necessary to support our drivers better,” he said.
As the season progresses, AlphaTauri’s focus will be on ensuring that Ricciardo and his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, have the resources they need to compete. For Ricciardo, the admission of responsibility offers a glimmer of hope that the team is committed to addressing its issues and building a more competitive platform.
The road ahead remains challenging, but with AlphaTauri’s renewed focus and Ricciardo’s determination, there is optimism that better results are within reach.