Round 1 of the 2024 F1 season at Bahrain created heat and tension between RB F1 teammates Ricciardo and Tsunoda.
Sparks flew between RB teammates Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo during the Bahrain Grand Prix, highlighting internal friction within the team. The drama unfolded during the latter stages of the race with both drivers following similar strategies, pitting within a lap of each other.
However, Tsunoda, who came out behind Ricciardo after the second pit stop, found himself stuck behind another car despite having DRS. Ricciardo, on fresher tyres, quickly closed the gap on Tsunoda, prompting the team to intervene. With Ricciardo breathing down his neck, Tsunoda received a team order to swap positions on lap 51.
The young Japanese driver displayed his frustration but ultimately complied, allowing Ricciardo past on lap 52. However, frustration mounted further when Ricciardo, despite having the apparent pace advantage, couldn’t overtake the car ahead of Tsunoda.
This turn of events suggested Tsunoda’s pace wasn’t significantly slower, potentially justifying his initial resistance to the team order. Adding fuel to the fire, Tsunoda took an aggressive swipe at Ricciardo on the cooldown lap after the checkered flag. This reckless manoeuvre further underscored his frustration with the team’s strategy and possibly, Ricciardo’s perceived preferential treatment.
The tension between the teammates is particularly concerning given the uncertainty surrounding both their futures at Red Bull. Both drivers are under pressure to perform consistently, with speculation swirling about potential replacements.
This incident highlights the delicate balancing act Formula One teams face when implementing team orders. While strategizing for overall team success is crucial, driver morale and clear communication are equally important to maintain positive performance and avoid internal conflict. Red Bull will need to address this situation swiftly and effectively to ensure a smoother running ship for the remainder of the season.
