RB driver Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from the team has been confirmed, with 22-year-old Liam Lawson set to take over his seat. The announcement was made by RB, the sister team of Red Bull, stating that Ricciardo will not participate in the final six Formula One events of the season. This decision marks the end of Ricciardo’s tenure with RB, where he has had a successful career with eight wins and 32 podium finishes.
Liam Lawson, who has been a reserve driver with RB since 2022, is set to make his full-time debut as a team member at the U.S. Grand Prix on October 20 at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. The young New Zealander has shown promise during his time as a reserve driver and will now have the opportunity to showcase his talent on the main stage.
Ricciardo, who has competed in 257 races, hinted at the possibility of his retirement in an Instagram post following the announcement. Expressing his love for the sport and gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career, Ricciardo acknowledged the highs and lows of Formula One and expressed his excitement for the next chapter in his life.
The decision to replace Ricciardo with Lawson comes after a challenging season for the Australian driver, who has struggled on the track and currently sits in 14th place in the standings with just 12 points. In comparison, his teammate Max Verstappen leads the standings with 331 points, highlighting the performance gap between the two drivers.
RB principal Laurent Mekies commended Ricciardo for his contributions to the team, praising his experience, talent, and positive attitude both on and off the track. Mekies acknowledged Ricciardo’s impact on the team and expressed gratitude for his time with RB, stating that he will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.
Lawson’s promotion to a full-time seat was reportedly triggered by a clause in his contract that allowed him to become a free agent if not given a seat for the following season. The decision to move him into the main team ahead of schedule reflects RB’s confidence in his abilities and potential to succeed at the highest level of motorsport.
Ricciardo’s recent performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished in 18th place, may have also influenced the decision to make a change. Lawson, who deputized for an injured Ricciardo in 2023 and competed in five races, has shown promise with a ninth-place finish in Singapore, demonstrating his readiness to step up to a full-time role.
As the Formula One season progresses, all eyes will be on Liam Lawson as he prepares to make his debut as a full-time RB driver. With the support of the team and his own determination, Lawson will look to make his mark on the sport and continue the legacy left by his predecessor, Daniel Ricciardo.
