Daniel Ricciardo’s time in Formula 1 appears to be coming to an end as he has been replaced by Liam Lawson for the remainder of the 2024 season. This decision follows a series of underwhelming performances by Ricciardo, who has struggled to return to his previous form.
Liam Lawson, who previously filled in for Ricciardo during five races in 2023, has now been given the opportunity to prove his worth in the final six rounds. The 22-year-old New Zealander’s performance in these upcoming races could be pivotal for his career prospects in 2025.
Ricciardo’s Career at a Crossroads
RB has confirmed that Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo for the remaining six races of the 2024 Formula 1 season. This move marks what seems to be the end of Ricciardo’s career in the sport, following an announcement at the Singapore Grand Prix and subsequent confirmation through press releases.
A veteran of 257 grand prix starts and eight victories over 14 seasons, Ricciardo’s Formula 1 journey has seen its fair share of highs and lows. Despite his considerable experience, his recent performances have not matched the expectations set during his earlier career.
Lawson’s Opportunity
Lawson’s return to the grid comes after a promising five-race stint in 2023, where he managed to impress despite challenging conditions. Now, with the chance to compete in six more races, Lawson has the opportunity to solidify his place in the 2025 grid.
His previous performances, including scoring points in Singapore and finishing just outside the points in other races, have showcased his potential. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether he will secure a permanent seat in the future.
Official Statements and Reactions
Following the announcement, Ricciardo expressed his gratitude and reflections on social media, stating, “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey.” He thanked the teams and fans for their support throughout his career.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner formally delivered the news to Ricciardo during a face-to-face meeting in Singapore. Despite the emotional nature of the decision, Ricciardo remained respectful, acknowledging the end of this chapter in his career.
“Daniel has brought a lot of experience and talent to the team with a fantastic attitude,” said team principal Laurent Mekies. He praised Ricciardo’s contributions over the past two seasons and highlighted the team’s positive relationship with him.
Future Prospects for Lawson
Lawson’s future in Formula 1 appears promising, with the young driver showing potential to secure a permanent seat. His ability to adapt quickly to high-pressure situations has been noted, and the forthcoming races will serve as a significant evaluation period.
Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater suggests that Lawson’s performance in these six races will be critical. The decision to replace Ricciardo now is likely intended to assess Lawson’s potential to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull for the next season. “The only logical assumption that can be made,” Slater notes, “is that they want to assess his potential.”
Reflecting on Ricciardo’s Career
Ricciardo began his Formula 1 career with Toro Rosso in 2011, eventually moving to the senior team in 2014. His early years at Red Bull were marked by significant achievements, including three race wins and outshining his then team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
Following his departure from Red Bull in 2018, Ricciardo struggled to replicate his earlier success during stints at Renault and McLaren. His return to Red Bull as a reserve driver for 2023 was seen as an opportunity to revive his career, but a broken hand at the Dutch Grand Prix curtailed his momentum.
Hamilton’s Tribute
Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to Ricciardo on social media, expressing his admiration. “It’s been an honour to compete with you over the years. You leave a legacy of always being yourself,” Hamilton wrote. He recalled their shared experiences and praised Ricciardo’s positive attitude.
Hamilton’s team-mate, George Russell, also shared his sentiments, stating,
Going to miss you mate.” The tributes from fellow drivers underscore the respect and camaraderie Ricciardo has built within the Formula 1 community.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming races will be crucial not only for Lawson but also for Red Bull as they assess the future of their driver lineup. With Sergio Perez’s performance under scrutiny, the team needs to carefully evaluate their options for the next season.
The United States Grand Prix in Austin from October 18-20 will be the first of these six pivotal races. All eyes will be on Lawson as he seeks to make a lasting impression.
The decisions made in these final rounds could significantly impact the dynamics of Red Bull and the broader Formula 1 grid in 2025.
The replacement of Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson marks a significant shift in the Formula 1 landscape. As Ricciardo reflects on a storied career, Lawson faces the opportunity of a lifetime to secure his place among the elite drivers.
The upcoming races will be crucial in shaping the future for both drivers and the teams involved. Only time will tell if Lawson can rise to the occasion and make a lasting impact.
