In a surprising move, Daniel Ricciardo, one of Formula 1’s most popular drivers, has been replaced by Liam Lawson at Red Bull Racing’s sister team, RB (previously AlphaTauri). This marks a sudden and unceremonious end to Ricciardo’s F1 career, with many speculating it could be his final stint in the sport. The decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances in the 2024 season, where Ricciardo struggled to live up to the high expectations placed upon him after his return to the Red Bull family.
The End of an Era for Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo, known for his infectious smile and aggressive racing style, is officially stepping away from Formula 1 following Red Bull Racing’s announcement on September 27, 2024. After months of speculation, the team confirmed that Ricciardo would not compete in the final six races of the 2024 season. The decision follows a challenging run of results, where Ricciardo secured only 12 points across 18 races, placing him 14th in the drivers’ standings.
Ricciardo’s departure paves the way for New Zealand’s Liam Lawson to step into his seat full-time. Lawson, 22, impressed Red Bull during his substitute performances in 2023 when Ricciardo was sidelined with a wrist injury. His consistent performances, including a strong showing at the Singapore Grand Prix, convinced the team that he was ready for a full-time seat.
The Challenges Leading to Ricciardo’s Exit
Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull’s sister team in 2023 had been seen as an opportunity for redemption after a difficult few years at McLaren. Despite being a seasoned veteran, his performances in 2024 were inconsistent, with only a handful of points finishes. His struggles were compounded by the success of teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who managed to outperform Ricciardo on several occasions, accumulating 22 points and standing in 12th place in the championship(
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The final nail in the coffin came after a disappointing 18th-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Ricciardo failed to make an impact. The race, heavily speculated to be his last, was an emotional one for the Australian driver. His underperformance, combined with the looming potential of losing Lawson to another team, forced Red Bull’s hand in making the switch(
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Red Bull’s Strategic Move: A Future with Liam Lawson
Liam Lawson’s promotion is not just about Ricciardo’s performance; it’s also about Red Bull securing young talent. Lawson had a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave the Red Bull driver development program if he wasn’t given a full-time seat by the end of 2024. Red Bull’s decision to fast-track him into Ricciardo’s seat ensures they retain a driver who has already proven his potential. Lawson has been with the team since 2022 as a reserve driver, and his impressive performances during his stand-in appearances last year convinced the team that he is the future(
CarExpert)(
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Ricciardo’s Career Highlights: A Legacy of Grit and Determination
Although this chapter in Ricciardo’s career has closed, the Australian driver leaves behind an illustrious legacy. Over his 14 seasons in Formula 1, Ricciardo secured eight wins, 32 podium finishes, and became a fan favorite thanks to his overtaking skills and bold racing style. His most memorable victories include his 2021 win at the Italian Grand Prix with McLaren and his stunning performances with Red Bull, where he defeated the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.
Ricciardo’s journey in F1 started in 2011 with the HRT team before moving to Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and then Red Bull Racing, where he achieved most of his success. He later had stints at Renault and McLaren, though his time at McLaren was marked by inconsistency, leading to an early exit in 2022(
ITVX).
Despite his recent struggles, Ricciardo will be remembered as one of the sport’s most charismatic drivers. His ability to light up the paddock with his personality, combined with his tenacious spirit on the track, has left an indelible mark on Formula 1(
What’s Next for Daniel Ricciardo?
In his farewell message, Ricciardo hinted that while his time in Formula 1 may be over, he isn’t closing the door on racing altogether. “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey… I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure,” Ricciardo posted on social media(
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There’s no official word yet on what Ricciardo’s next adventure will be, but fans are hopeful that he will continue to stay involved in motorsport, perhaps in a different capacity. Whether it’s testing, mentoring young drivers, or even competing in another racing series, Ricciardo’s racing story is far from over.
Conclusion: The Changing Guard at Red Bull Racing
The exit of Daniel Ricciardo and the promotion of Liam Lawson marks a significant shift at Red Bull Racing’s sister team, RB. It’s a bittersweet moment for fans who have followed Ricciardo’s career and watched him rise through the ranks to become one of the sport’s most beloved figures. While Lawson’s future looks bright, Ricciardo’s departure signals the end of an era in Formula 1. As the 2024 season draws to a close, all eyes will be on the young Kiwi driver to see if he can live up to the expectations that come with filling such big shoes.
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