Japanese GP 2024: Struggling Daniel Ricciardo is Replaced by Ayumu Iwasa for FP1

Despite being hopeful and fighting his way back into F1, Daniel Ricciardo’s output so far has been subpar. The Australian has suffered a great deal in the past few seasons. His comeback brought a smile to many F1 fans’ faces, however, his current output isn’t bringing anyone joy. The Visa Cash App RB man’s F1 career is on a downward trajectory once again with the Honey Badger struggling to even beat his teammate. On top of that, he will be replaced by Red Bull academy driver Ayumu Iwasa.

The Australian has failed to impress so far with his teammate Yuki Tsunoda outshining him at the moment. In the two-horse internal race to secure the highly sought-after Red Bull seat, Ricciardo is surely coming in second. Now, as reported by Speedweek, Dr. Helmut Marko has revealed he will not be taking part in the first practice session in Suzuka.

However, this isn’t a shock exclusion, it was pre-planned. Ricciardo will make way for Ayumu Iwasa for FP1 in the coming race weekend. The Japanese driver, as a Red Bull junior driver since 2021, will get his hands on the VCARB01 when the circus travels to his home.

Marko revealed, “On Friday we will use our young driver Ayumu Iwasa, an all-Nippon team, in training.” With Yuki Tsunoda keeping his spot throughout the weekend, this will mark the first time two Japanese drivers will be on track at the same since the 2009 Abu Dhabi GP.

Two Japanese drivers, in a Honda-powered car on the Suzuka Circuit? It will be a treat for the fans. However, fear not, as Daniel Ricciardo will return in the next session and get his much-needed track time. However, the Australian former champion believes no amount of track time will bring back the old Daniel.

Australian F1 champ believes the best of Daniel Ricciardo is past us

Ricciardo was a shadow of himself during his entire McLaren stint, except for the one Italian GP. However, after his mid-season nod for AlphaTauri and his performances, especially in Mexico, many believed the Australian regained his powers. Although the start of the new season has not helped Ricciardo’s case.

What’s worse is Alan Jones, the 1980 F1 world champion, believes Ricciardo is way past his prime and his best days are past him.

“I hate to say it, but I think we have seen the best days (from Ricciardo),“ said Jones. “He has had his bum in a few decent cars, irrespective of what people say. The Alpine or the McLaren, the car that he is in right now… at the end of the day he has got to start beating his teammate for a start. I would love him to become super competitive and be up there challenging in the points, but I just think that maybe a couple of things have got to change before we see that.“

Read More: Daniel Ricciardo vs Oscar Piastri: Who Is the Bigger Hope of Australia in Formula 1?

As of right now, Jones stands corrected. However, the season is long and we might just see a different side of Ricciardo if he can get comfortable with his car and find his pace and the courage for the dive bombs.