'Sad To See' Ricciardo In His Current Position Says Boutsen

Saturday, 13 April 2024 at 13:30

Former F1 driver Thierry Boutsen discussed Daniel Riccirado's situation in RB after the first four races of the 2024 season, suggesting it's sad to see him struggle again.

Daniel Ricciardo has shown and proved in the past that he can belong to one of the fastest drivers on the grid and has what it takes to compete for race wins.

The Honey Badger has eight race wins and 32 podiums to his name. However, as you might know, something happened during his two years at McLaren, and he started struggling all of a sudden.

His underwhelming performances led to McLaren's removal. He then found a second chance at Red Bull and RB, but his performance during the first four race weekends of the season wasn't convincing at all. Thierry Boutsen told Planet F1:

"I wish him all the best. He's shown, for the last few years, he's had chances. When he was at McLaren, and even today, he's got a good car."

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"He's got a car that should allow him to perform and make some sparkling moments. But he doesn't do that."

Daniel Ricciardo was expected to outperform his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. If he had done so, Red Bull might have considered him for the second seat alongside the triple World Champion Max Verstappen.

However, the 34-year-old seems to be fighting for survival in F1 rather than for the future in the team from Milton Keynes at the moment.

"So it's very sad to see him in this position. I think his talent is there, that's for sure. He's proven it in the past. But he's not capable of using it, because something else is pushing him down."

Nevertheless, it's only been the first four race weekends of the season, and the Australian driver still has a chance to show everyone what he's capable of during the remaining 20.