Daniel Ricciardo’s long-awaited return to Formula 1 ended in disappointment, with the Australian driver struggling to return to his best form during the 2024 season. Despite flashes of brilliance, Ricciardo’s return with Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri ) was discontinued after continued difficulties competing with teammate Yuki Tsunoda and the new wave of young talent.
Racing Bulls racing director Alan Permane has now shed light on the challenges Ricciardo faced, pointing to the tendency to overthink and self-doubt as key factors in his inability to perform consistently.
“Thinking Too Much”: Ricciardo’s Loss
After stepping in in mid-2023, Ricciardo hoped to use Racing Bulls as a springboard to once again join Red Bull Racing, the team with which he enjoyed some of his greatest success. However, the reality of his 2024 season fell far short of expectations. Despite some strong performances, such as a fourth place finish at the Miami Sprint, Ricciardo was unable to maintain a competitive advantage.
Permane believes Ricciardo’s immense experience has become a double-edged sword.
“I was definitely worried that he was thinking too much,” Permane said. “He was worried about the tires, thinking they couldn’t handle the speed he would ask of them. It felt like he was using his vast experience to doubt things that were potentially wrong, because Yuki wasn’t doing that and he was driving as fast as he could—and it was working.”
This tendency to overanalyze has apparently disrupted Ricciardo’s natural instincts, a hallmark of his past success.
Flashes of Shine, But No Consistency
Ricciardo’s 2024 campaign has been marked by inconsistency. Moments like his strong performance in Miami offered glimpses of the Ricciardo of old, but they were often followed by disconcerting dips in form.
“It was a difficult time,” Permanente recalls. “He finished fourth on the grid in Miami, and we’re like, ‘Ah, it all came together.’ It was the Daniel I knew at Renault. Then, the same weekend, he qualified 18th for the main race. It was a bit of a mystery.”
Despite the team’s efforts, including a chassis change requested by Ricciardo, his form never stabilized, leading Racing Bulls to part ways with him before the end of the season.
The Rise of the Next Generation
Ricciardo’s struggles coincided with the emergence of a new generation of talent in F1. Liam Lawson, who replaced Ricciardo at Racing Bulls, quickly impressed and has since been promoted to accompany Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
Young drivers like Oliver Bearman at Haas and Franco Colapinto at Williams have also thrived in 2024, further highlighting the growing gap between seasoned veterans and the sport’s emerging stars.
“Franco looked incredible in his first few races,” Permane said. “But maintaining this level week after week is the difficult part.”
A difficult landscape for veterans
Ricciardo’s experience reflects the wider challenges faced by established drivers adapting to current F1 cars. Although Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have shown their brilliance at times, both have also faced difficulties maintaining consistency.
Permane noted that the intense demands of modern F1 — including technical complexities and incessant communication commitments — can make it more difficult for older drivers to remain competitive.
“There are all kinds of communication things that come with Formula 1 now, and I’m pretty sure these young guys aren’t used to that, so there are distractions everywhere,” Permane said.
What’s next for Ricciardo?
As Racing Bulls look to their young team, Ricciardo’s future in F1 remains uncertain. The 34-year-old’s departure highlights the increasingly unforgiving nature of the sport, where consistent performance and adaptability are paramount.
Although Ricciardo’s charm and past achievements have made him a fan favorite, his return shows that even the most experienced drivers are not immune to the evolving challenges of F1. Whether he finds a way back onto the grid or explores new opportunities outside of the sport, Ricciardo’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of F1’s relentless competitiveness.
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