Red Bull Racing has made headlines with the recent announcement of Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from the team, with young driver Liam Lawson confirmed to take his seat for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The handling of this switch has been heavily criticized by experts in the field, including Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson on ESPN’s “Unlapped” podcast.
The saga surrounding Ricciardo’s future began to unfold during the buildup and aftermath of the Singapore Grand Prix. The Australian driver showed his emotions in interviews after the race, where he set the fastest lap on his final lap, signaling that it was likely his last race in the sport. Red Bull has now officially announced that Lawson, a 22-year-old New Zealander who joined the Red Bull driver program in 2019, will be stepping in for Ricciardo starting from the U.S. Grand Prix.
Ricciardo’s departure marks the end of an era, as he leaves behind a legacy of seven wins, 32 podiums, and 1329 points during his time with Red Bull between 2014 and 2018. He also claimed victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix for McLaren. Leading figures in the F1 community have paid tribute to Ricciardo, with Lewis Hamilton expressing his admiration for the battles they shared on the track and the camaraderie off it.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also acknowledged Ricciardo’s impact on the team, praising his enthusiasm, sense of humor, and attitude that will leave a lasting legacy on the team and the sport as a whole. Despite the bittersweet farewell, Ricciardo remains optimistic about his future endeavors, expressing gratitude to the teams and individuals who supported him throughout his career.
As the news of Lawson’s confirmation as Ricciardo’s replacement settles in, Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies expressed his gratitude to Daniel for his contributions to the team over the past two seasons. Mekies commended Ricciardo for bringing experience, talent, and a positive attitude to the team, fostering a strong team spirit among the members. The team is now looking forward to welcoming Lawson back into the fold, as he previously raced for Red Bull in five races last year as Ricciardo’s deputy.
With the transition to Lawson being a natural progression, Mekies highlighted the young driver’s familiarity with the team and his ability to perform well under pressure. While there has been no official confirmation about Lawson’s status for the 2025 season, it is widely expected that he will continue on with Red Bull Racing, showcasing the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent within their ranks.
In the wake of Ricciardo’s departure, questions have been raised about the handling of the switch between the veteran driver and the up-and-coming Lawson. Saunders and Edmondson criticized Red Bull’s management of the situation, citing the emotional impact on Ricciardo and the lack of clarity surrounding his future within the team.
Moving forward, Red Bull Racing will need to focus on supporting Lawson in his new role and ensuring a smooth transition for the team. As they prepare for the upcoming races, all eyes will be on Lawson as he steps into the spotlight and aims to make his mark in the world of Formula 1.
