F1 - Ricciardo Steps Up To Red Bull Racing. Now Can He Step Up To The Podium?

Daniel Ricciardo, Scuderia Toro Rosso. (C)

    Patience is a virtue. As time inevitably marches on, all the answers to our motorsport questions come to fruition. Earlier in the year we posed the question that 2013 was a make or break year for Scuderia Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo (see Archives-January 2013). Well Australian fans can rejoice in the news that he's been signed to a multi-year deal with F1's big hitters, Red Bull Racing.
    However, expectation and media attention will rise, and therefore pressure will be higher for Ricciardo than previously experienced. No doubt that will be at fever pitch by the time he contests his first race for Red Bull alongside Sebastian Vettel at his home GP at Albert Park. With compatriot Mark Webber retired, all scrutiny with be on Daniel Ricciardo.
    Now that Ricciardo has made the step up from Scuderia Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing, can he make the next step up to the podium? Obviously he hasn't the credentials of his illustrious team mate, but can he push Vettel hard enough to fight for race wins? Besides, with a new set of regulations coming in next year, another team may design a better package than Red Bull. How will both drivers react? One may come to terms with the new turbo engines and Energy Recovery Systems quicker than the other. Sure be intriguing to see how amicable the relationship stays if Ricciardo starts competing right at the sharp end of the grid. Let us know what you think. Send us an email at: [email protected] or simply leave a comment.
    Early speculation we know, but we also know that time will reveal all. Just got to be patient.
    Monza tonight. Ciao....  

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