Daniel Ricciardo has been replaced by Liam Lawson at RB Racing for the balance of the 2024 Formula 1 season. As expected, Daniel will end his run with RB and it remains to be seen what he might do next.
As far as prospects in F1, they are very slim at the moment but perhaps Daniel will look for life outside the F1 paddock in other racing series. I have to think there are several teams in WEC that might be interested in his abilities.
RB press release:
Liam has been a Red Bull reserve driver since 2022, making his Grand Prix debut in Zandvoort last year during Daniel’s recovery period. His impressive five-race drive saw him score points for the Team, finishing ninth in the Singapore GP.
Visa Cash App RB Team Principal, Laurent Mekies said: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us. He has brought a lot of experience and talent to the Team with a fantastic attitude, which has helped everyone to develop and foster a tight team spirit. Daniel has been a true gentleman both on and off the track and never without that smile. He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam. He already knows the Team well. He drove for us last season, and coped well under difficult circumstances, so it’ll be a natural transition. It’s great to see young talent from within the Red Bull family make the next step. We’re looking forward to getting our heads down and focusing on the rest of the season together.
Daniel said:
I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey.
To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you. It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it.
Until the next adventure.
Liam Lawson said:
I’ve dreamed of being a Formula One driver since I was a kid, and I’m very happy to say that dream is finally coming true. I want to thank VCARB and Red Bull for this opportunity, I’m extremely grateful and excited to get to work
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I’ve loved watching Daniel’s career, he’s been very good for the sport and the sport has been very good to him.
The writing has been on the wall for a long time as his performances just haven’t been up to scratch with all the younglings coming up.
I’ve noticed a lot of hate online towards Liam, which just baffles me, he’s just taken an opportunity that presented itself.
I’m super excited to see what Lawson will do, especially against Yuki. I’m going to miss Danny Ric on the grid, but as you said, he hasn’t had the same pluck since leaving Red Bull. I do wonder some decisions. Yes, he’s not in F1 to be a #2 but if you truly believe you’re the best on the grid, then you have to beat your teammate. If you can’t do that, then why jump ship from the #1 car on the grid?
Just the same, wishing him all the best.