Visa Cash App RB have unveiled their new VCARB01 car to compete in the 2024 F1 season.
This season marks a rebrand from AlphaTauri to Visa Cash App RB with the new car unveiled at a glitzy ceremony in Las Vegas, USA, with the livery largely returning to the 2019 Toro Rosso style of predominant blue but with sections of white on the sidepods, top of front nose and wing.
Orlen’s famous red and white logo meanwhile remains adjoined across the rear wing, whilst there is the addition of red to the halo above the cockpit in a change of the dark navy blue colour scheme of recent seasons.
This VCARB01 car will be the first raced under the team’s new Team Principal, Laurent Mekies following Franz Tost’s departure at the end of 2023, whilst their UK base is moving from Bicester to Milton Keynes as part of expanded operations at sister team – Red Bull.
As part of that partnership, Visa Cash App RB have taken the front and rear suspensions from Red Bull plus their gearbox, as they look to improve upon two difficult seasons.
Speaking to F1.com, Daniel Ricciardo iterated that the team won’t be a side team to Red Bull any more as he explained: “The team has always taken itself seriously, but I feel like this is another step up. It’s no longer just a platform for Red Bull Racing, it’s a time for us to fight at the front of the midfield.
“I like what’s happened, the changes that have taken place. There’s something about the team, the mindset is a bit different, kind of like a point to prove. It’s cool. It’s fun.”
“You have to aim high, but being in this sport so long, you want to remain realistic as you don’t want to end up ultimately disappointed,” continued Ricciardo on the team’s ambitions for this season.
“Top-fives should be a target and if we get into that position, maybe some podiums present themselves. Of course we want to win but, you know, let’s…I think we made steps last year, let’s make a few more steps.
“Do I think top-five results are on the table – and could they be on the table in the first half of the season? I’d like to think so.”
Yuki Tsunoda will partner Ricciardo for the season with both drivers out of contract at the end of this season, whilst Liam Lawson will remain as reserve driver for the team plus Red Bull – having replaced Ricciardo for five races last season due to injury.
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