
Daniel Ricciardo, in particular, has had a tough second stint in F1, and Laurent Mekies has admitted that the team shares responsibility for it.
Many expected the experienced Australian to turn things around for himself as well as RB, but this never materialized.
Ricciardo returned during the 2023 season, replacing Nyck de Vries, who failed to meet expectations mid-season. However, his momentum was abruptly halted by a hand injury sustained during a crash at the Dutch Grand Prix practice session. Despite making a comeback and having a full off-season to prepare for the 2024 campaign, Ricciardo struggled to extract consistent performance from the VCARB 01.
While there were flashes of brilliance, such as his fourth-place finish in the Miami sprint race, Ricciardo consistently fell short compared to teammate Yuki Tsunoda. With underwhelming results and increasingly impressive performances from reserve driver Liam Lawson, Ricciardo was ultimately replaced after the Singapore Grand Prix.
Looking back on the decision, Mekies admitted the team couldn’t provide Ricciardo with a car that suited his driving style. Nevertheless, Mekies acknowledged Ricciardo’s technical experience, dedication, and contributions to the team’s progress.
This season also proved crucial for the team’s growth. With mentorship from Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda was able to develop significantly. As previously discussed, Liam Lawson also benefited from Ricciardo’s presence, seizing his chance to showcase his potential.
Mekies believes the experience offered valuable lessons regarding car setup, performance, and team integrity. He emphasized that Ricciardo’s dedication laid the groundwork for a stronger team structure, with the lessons learned expected to play a pivotal role in RB’s future success.