RB's 2024 Season: Progress stalls on the midfield carousel

Visa Cash App RB’s 2024 F1 campaign was a bit of rollercoaster ride: a few highs, many lows, and plenty of head-scratching moments.

Finishing eighth in the Constructors’ standings for the second year running with 46 points, the team doubled its 2023 tally but still fell short of making a meaningful midfield dent.

Yuki Tsunoda was the team’s standout performer, scoring 30 of the team’s points and delivering his best season yet. The Japanese driver performed especially well in qualifying, breaking into Q3 a remarkable twelve times, and establishing himself as the field’s tenth-best qualifier.

But while Tsunoda often shined, the VCARB 01 chassis seemed determined to dim his light with its lackluster race pace and constant reliability woes.

Daniel Ricciardo returned to the fray with high hopes but struggled to extract consistent results, leaving before Austin with 12 points to his name, a setback that thwarted his ambitions of returning to Red Bull Racing.

Enter Liam Lawson, the Kiwi rookie who impressed with a ninth-place finish in the U.S. Grand Prix but couldn’t fully overcome the car’s limitations.

Bright spots like a double-points finish in Miami (12 points) and another in Brazil (8 points) simply couldn’t mask the team’s deeper struggles.

A chaotic Chinese Grand Prix with a double retirement and diffuser issues throughout the season exemplified RB’s uphill battle.

In summary, Visa Cash App RB’s potential remains untapped, and hopes for 2025 hinge on a much-needed technical turnaround.

What's in store for 2025?

As the Faenza-based squad transitions to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the 2025 season, it must capitalize on the lessons learned from this year.

A stronger focus on car development - helped perhaps by more efficient synergies with Red Bull - will be crucial to improve their overall performance, but strategy and execution will also need to be taken up several notches in 2025.

On the driver front, Tsunoda certainly has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with. With consistent support and a competitive car, he could establish himself as a top-tier driver.

As for Lawson, regardless of whether the Kiwi is handed a promotion to Red Bull Racing or remains with RB, either team will need to nurture the 22-year-old's undeniable talent and provide him with the necessary tools to succeed.

With a renewed focus, Racing Bulls aim to climb the Formula 1 ladder and challenge the established teams.

Whether they can achieve this goal remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they'll be a team to watch in the upcoming season.