Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has said his team is "no longer just a platform for Red Bull Racing", as his new car was unveiled for the 2024 season.

Visa Cash App RB (RB), formerly AlphaTauri, launched their challenger in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon AEDT.

The team is going through more than just a name change, moving their UK base to Milton Keynes were Red Bull Racing are based, as well as a new leader.

Laurent Mekies, Ferrari's former sporting director, takes the helm following the retirement of Franz Tost.

It is a significant change for the team, who had Tost as their leader since 2005.

This change has led Ricciardo, a winner of eight F1 grands prix in his career, to be bullish in his optimism for the new season.

"There are a lot of new personnel, some big partners coming onboard," Ricciardo told F1.com.

"The team has always taken itself seriously, but I feel like this is another step up.

"It's no longer just a platform for Red Bull Racing, it's a time for us to fight at the front of the midfield.

"I like what's happened, the changes that have taken place. There's something about the team, the mindset is a bit different, kind of like a point to prove. It's cool. It's fun."

Ricciardo was impressive for the Red Bull junior team in 2023, joining the team mid-season to replace Dutch rookie Nick de Vries. 

After joining the team mid-season, Ricciardo only competed in seven races due to a broken wrist sustained during a practice session in the Netherlands.

Ricciardo achieved seventh at the Mexican Grand Prix, the best result for any driver in the team last season.

But with a full preseason under his belt, Ricciardo is looking to finish well up the grid. 

"You have to aim high, but being in this sport so long, you want to remain realistic as you don't want to end up ultimately disappointed," he told F1.com.

"Top-fives should be a target and if we get into that position, maybe some podiums present themselves.

"Do I think top-five results are on the table, and could they be on the table in the first half of the season? I'd like to think so."

Testing will be held later this month, before the first race of the season in Bahrain on March 3, AEDT.