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Ex-Minardi Owner Backs Daniel Ricciardo Despite Pace Struggles

Published 04/01/2024, 1:44 AM EDT

Minardi, an Italian-based Formula 1 team, earned recognition not for being a championship contender but for its pivotal role in nurturing budding talent. Its legacy lies in offering invaluable opportunities to promising young drivers. However, in 2005, the team’s journey stopped when Red Bull acquired it, transforming Scuderia Toro Rosso (now Alpha Tauri).

Giancarlo Minardi, the former owner of Team Minardi, was renowned for his boundless passion for motorsport and dedication to cultivating emerging talent. Even after parting ways with the team, his involvement in the sports world persisted as he avidly monitored its evolution and progress. From 2001 until the end of 2005, the team was owned by Paul Stoddart before the Italian Dietrich Mateschitz bought it. In a recent post on Speedcafe, the ex-Minardi owner vocally supports Daniel Ricciardo, affirming the Australian driver’s prowess and potential on the track.

Paul Stoddart calls Daniel Ricciardo a “better driver”

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Stoddart owned the team from 2001 to 2005, selling it to Dietrich Mateschitz. Though no longer involved, he maintains contact with former staff, proud of preserving the team founded in 1985 on the grid. Recently, the former owner praised Daniel Ricciardo, highlighting his successful stint with Red Bull Racing, marked by numerous race wins and podium finishes.

Showing confidence in the Aussie’s abilities, he affirmed to Speedcafe, “The package they’ve got is good enough to do that. The drivers they’ve got… Daniel needs his confidence back but he’s a good driver and he’s a better driver than you’re seeing at the moment. I’m more than proud.”

Additionally, Paul Stoddart continues to support Daniel Ricciardo despite his recent pace struggles, even amidst being outperformed by Yuki Tsunoda in the 2024 Australian Grand Prix. Stoddart’s unwavering backing underscores his belief in the 34-year-old driver’s abilities and resilience in overcoming challenges.

However, Stoddart is optimistic about the team’s future progress, fueled by fresh investment and new staff bolstering the foundations established during the Minardi era. Despite enduring hardships, the team clinched two victories, Sebastian Vettel in Monza 2008 and Pierre Gasly in Italy 2020, marking significant triumphs.

Since Red Bull’s 2006 acquisition, the team has introduced new title sponsors and shifted focus to experienced drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, departing from nurturing young talents. Nevertheless, Honey Badger received a stern warning from team principal Marko regarding his anticipated performance at the Australian Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, Helmut Marko sent a warning to Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo’s rumored perfect replacement for Sergio Perez in a dream comeback to the senior Red Bull team now faces scrutiny. After being outperformed by Yuki Tsunoda in the opening races, the Australian driver received a stern warning from Dr. Marko. The teammates are under intense scrutiny as the stakes rise.

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Marko acknowledged Tsunoda’s impressive performance in qualifying but highlighted the team’s struggle to maintain position during the race. Despite a strong start, they fell behind as the race progressed. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez secured points for the senior Red Bull team with back-to-back second finishes, aiming to support Max Verstappen and demonstrate his value consistently.

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Will Red Bull Racing emerge victorious and claim crucial points in the upcoming Grand Prix? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments

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Written by:

Ashwini Bochkeri is a Formula 1 writer at EssentiallySports. After acquiring her MBA, she steered into the realm of journalism. With 2 years of content writing experience at Net Profit Reality and having crafted 500-plus articles, social media posts & creatives she transitioned into her current role as an F1 writer.

Edited by:

Shivali Nathta

Ex-Minardi Owner Backs Daniel Ricciardo Despite Pace Struggles

Paul Stoddart calls Daniel Ricciardo a “better driver”

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Meanwhile, Helmut Marko sent a warning to Daniel Ricciardo