SUMMARY
- Daniel Ricciardo faces replacement for the second time, possibly due to lackluster performance.
- Ayumu Iwasa to replace Ricciardo in Japanese GP FP1, showcasing Red Bull's support for young drivers.
After a short stint across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Daniel Ricciardo faces being replaced for the second time. At the Japanese Grand Prix, Ricciardo is not scheduled to run in the first practice session. Ayumu Iwasa, a driver from Japan, will be piloting Ricciardo’s Visa Cash App RB vehicle with Yuki Tsunoda, according to the Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
In the beginning, Ricciardo intended to prove himself as a competitor deserving of a move up to the mother team, Red Bull. His outstanding accomplishments have, however, been eclipsed by those of Tsunoda. Tsunoda’s outstanding showing in the Australian Grand Prix pushed Ricciardo’s concerns even closer to light. The Japanese driver Tsunoda placed seventh, while Ricciardo struggled in P12, possibly signaling that it was his final race at home.
Red Bull junior to replace Daniel Ricciardo in Japanese GP FP1
The Honey Badger will be traveling according to protocol to Suzuka for the race. He is unlikely to spend as much time on the track nevertheless, as Red Bull’s junior driver Ayumu Iwasa will be the one taking control of his RB vehicle. In the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz was replaced by rookie driver Oliver Bearman due to the former’s emergency and appendicitis surgery.
🚨 | Helmut Marko confirms that Ayumu Iwasa will take part in FP1 during the 🇯🇵 Japanese GP weekend! The Red Bull junior will drive Daniel Ricciardo’s car,
Helmut Marko: “On Friday, we will have our junior driver, Ayumu Iwasa, an all-Japanese team, driving in FP1.”#F1… pic.twitter.com/HTJOfqiLSP
— Desi Racing Co. (@DesiRacingco) March 25, 2024
Marko revealed in his Speedweek column where he stated, “On Friday, we will use our young pilot Ayumu Iwasa in practice, an All-Nippon team. What’s more, the Suzuka circuit should suit the Racing Bulls (sic) car.” Giving young drivers with little Grand Prix experience practice sessions has become mandated.
Iwasa along with other Japanese rookies are often provided with a shot in Suzuka by Red Bull, which has a close connection with Honda. Iwasa is a Super Formula racer who tested for AlphaTauri in 2023 from the island nation. The Milton Keynes-based highlighted Naoki Yamamoto at Suzuka in 2019, this is certainly not an entirely novel tactic.
Ricciardo’s F1 future amid Liam Lawson return rumors
The 34-year-old driver faces scrutiny but remains secure in his Racing Bulls seat despite early-season challenges. Rumors swirl after his tough start in 2024, but Red Bull seems committed to him. Midway through the 2023 season, Ricciardo took Nyck de Vries’ position. Reports suggest Ricciardo faces pressure to perform, with Liam Lawson possibly waiting in the wings.
⚠️ BREAKING: Rumours about two race ultimatum for Daniel Ricciardo to improve his results, or being replaced by Lawson.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo is suggesting that it’s 0-3 for Tsunoda because his car is not the same as Yuki’s…
I hope he means a damaged chassis or… pic.twitter.com/6GPgi86Fu3
— Maxx | F1newsletter.com (@F1_Newsletter) March 25, 2024
Assuming Ricciardo’s form fails to improve, Marko suggested a possible move as per the reports from The Herald. After having troubles in the initial races of the season, Ricciardo came under fire. Tsunoda’s performance increased the strain although he was placed in the P12 position in Australia. The driver also failed to advance from Q1 during the race at the Albert Park Circuit.
Marko gave his remarks on Ricciardo’s performance where he said, “I think Daniel knows that the potential is there, but I’m sure he’s probably expected to step it up.” In a certain segment of the popular Netflix series, “Driver to Survive”, Lawson’s reaction led to swirling rumors. The Kiwi stated, “I’ve just beaten the guy who got the seat. It was meant to be me.”
Lawson has previously left his mark in F1, which increases the possibility of a switch.