RB Parts Ways with Ricciardo After Two Seasons, Lawson Takes Over
Daniel Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, has been dropped by Red Bull (RB) after two seasons, potentially marking the end of his Formula 1 career. Liam Lawson will replace him for the remainder of the 2024 season.
"Everyone here at (RB) would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us," said team principal Laurent Mekies. "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."
The decision follows speculation that the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix would be Ricciardo's last race for the team. Following the race, he expressed emotions during interviews, stating he had to "be prepared for this maybe being it," according to James Galloway of Sky Sports. Ricciardo recorded the fastest lap during the Singapore race, earning a point that affected Lando Norris for reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Mekies commented, "Given this may have been Daniel's last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savor it and go out with the fastest lap."
Ricciardo's history with Red Bull began as a test driver for the junior team, known then as Toro Rosso, in 2011. He was promoted to the main team in 2014, achieving seven wins in five seasons before moving to Renault for two years. He rejoined the Red Bull family in 2023 as a third driver after a lackluster stint at McLaren. Midway through the 2023 season, he was loaned to AlphaTauri, aiming for a return to the main RB lineup alongside Verstappen.
His return was marred by an injury sustained during the Dutch Grand Prix, where he broke a metacarpal in his hand, prompting Lawson to step in for five races. Lawson made a strong impression, knocking Verstappen out in Q2 at Singapore and finishing ninth in the race.
Since returning to the grid, Ricciardo has scored 18 points. Highlights from his comeback include qualifying fourth in Mexico in 2023, ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez, and finishing seventh, as well as starting fifth in Montreal earlier this year, only 0.178 seconds off pole position.
