Daniel Ricciardo is beneath “large strain” and won’t swimsuit his RB automobile, David Croft thinks.
Ricciardo has endured a difficult begin to the F1 2024 season.
Even fellow Aussie, and former F1 champion, Alan Jones has questioned whether or not Ricciardo is previous his finest.
“He’s beneath large strain,” Crofty advised Fox Sports activities Australia earlier than Ricciardo’s house race on the Australian Grand Prix, the place he ultimately completed P13.
“Ricciardo has not began the season that properly.
“I’m certain the RB will likely be a greater automobile in time. It won’t be the perfect automobile for him in the meanwhile.
“However he’s been crushed by his teammate, and you need to decide your self in opposition to your teammate, and that’s not in Daniel’s favour.
“I nonetheless assume Daniel’s a effective driver.
“I believe he deserves his place within the grid, however we have to see extra from him, and that would be the message getting by to him.”
Ricciardo entered this 12 months hoping that some spectacular outcomes may propel him right into a Purple Bull, alongside Max Verstappen, in 2025.
However Sergio Perez has responded to the strain that he faces to cling onto his seat, whereas Ricciardo has been outshone by youthful alternate options.
RB – final season named AlphaTauri – saved religion with Ricciardo this 12 months regardless of Liam Lawson impressing whereas changing the veteran Australia throughout an harm absence final season.
Lawson is looming within the wings, prepared for his first full-time F1 race seat.
Crofty warned: “Liam Lawson is there and he’s prepared.
“(RB’s) purpose for being is to convey younger drivers by. Is that Daniel Ricciardo?”
F1 journalist Mark Hughes joined the questioning of Ricciardo.
He mentioned on The Race F1 podcast: “Removed from is he on a trajectory nonetheless to be within the Purple Bull, I’d say is he on a trajectory to nonetheless be within the RB?”
Worryingly for Ricciardo, the New Zealand Herald reported after the Australian Grand Prix that he has a time restrict to show his value.
Reportedly a two-race ultimatum has been handed to Ricciardo which may lead to him being changed by Liam Lawson in Miami.
