Saturday’s Hungarian Grand Prix was a strong day for the Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, with both Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda making it into the third qualifying segment. The two VCARB drivers started the Grand Prix from 9th and 10th place, and although Tsunoda suffered a heavy crash late in Q3, Ricciardo is hoping for an even bigger result on Sunday.
“Looking at tomorrow, I don’t think we’ll be trying to defend the points from the start, I’m sure we can do even better in the race so I’m looking forward to it,” Ricciardo said in the team’s post-qualifying report.
The incident ended the day and brought out the red flag, leaving Tsunoda feeling a bit frustrated.
“I’m very disappointed and disappointing. My Q3 lap was really good and I was feeling great. I pushed myself to the limit and half of my tyre went on the grass, which is normal but it was exaggerated because it was wet. Up until that corner my lap was great. I’m sorry because everyone in the team and myself deserved a higher position for the efforts we’ve made,” Tsunoda said. “The car was feeling great, the lap was consistent and I think we were in a good position for tomorrow. Congratulations to the team for getting both cars into Q3.”
Returning to Ricciardo, the Australian noted that both he and Tsunoda had been “fast” all weekend. After Friday’s two practice sessions, the driver said he was already “happy and comfortable” in the car, and Saturday’s result seemed to reinforce that belief.
“It was definitely a long and difficult qualifying. There was a crash but it’s a relief to hear that everyone is OK. The rain started to get heavier whilst we were out on the track in Q1 but then the red flag came out and the track dried a bit,” Ricciardo added. “Then we got out on the track again and finished in first place, so it was a good moment. We’ve been fast all weekend so I’m pleased as a team to have both cars in Q3.”
Of course, Saturday’s result did not happen in a vacuum and Sergio Pérez’s accident in Q1 has only sparked further speculation about his future at Red Bull. With both Tsunoda and Ricciardo being mentioned as potential replacements, Sunday could be an interesting day in Budapest.
And at the points, VCARB is probably stronger.
