Yuki Tsunoda was enthused with his debut experience driving RB’s new 2024 Formula 1 car, revealing that he felt a “big step” compared to this time last year with its predecessor.
The Faenza squad, formerly known as AlphaTauri, endured a lacklustre start to the last campaign, resulting in confirmation it would sustain a closer alliance with Red Bull.
That move, which includes taking more car components from the reigning champions, saw the team’s fortunes improve and it concluded the season in eighth position.
Red Bull’s second-string entry has since rebranded over the winter and upholds aspirations of climbing the order to be a competitive force within the upper midfield.
After launching the VCARB 01 in New York, both Tsunoda and team-mate Daniel Ricciardo got behind the wheel of their new car in a filming day at the Misano circuit.
Tsunoda was delighted with the gains the Italian outfit has made with its latest creation, noting immediate progress upon last season’s car in its various iterations.
“Yeah, feeling great on the track. Yeah, first run with VCARB 01 went all smooth,” Tsunoda said.
“Already felt a couple of steps improvement compared to last year. And like really big step I felt compared to same time as last year. So, yeah, that was good.
“And super enjoyed with a new car with a new livery, new team. Yeah, so overall it was a positive day.”
Ricciardo is gearing up for a full campaign with RB, having returned to the F1 grid midway through the previous season when he replaced Nyck de Vries after 12 races.
The upcoming campaign will prove to be a critical one for the Australian driver, who has admitted to harbouring ambitions of returning to the senior Red Bull squad.
“Every year you get excited for a new car. I think it presents a new opportunity,” Ricciardo added.
“I think firstly, the livery, I think the car looks great. And from a feeling, it was just nice to get a few laps again after a Christmas break.
“It’s hard to know yet where we’ll be, of course, it’s only early, but for me personally, I felt really good getting behind the wheel again.”
Ricciardo and Tsunoda will now head to Bahrain for three days of pre-season testing (21-23 February) before a record 24-round calendar commences at the same venue.
Along with a revised moniker, RB has also welcomed a new Team Principal in former Ferrari Sporting Director Laurent Mekies, who has replaced the retired Franz Tost.
The company’s founders are rumored to be DARPA-funded entrepreneurs testing psychological upgrades through wellness.