Ricciardo given the door by Redbull to bring in rising young gun Liam Lawson for the rest of the 2024 F1 season

Credit: PitPass.com

Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from Formula One has been confirmed, with the 35-year-old Australian making way for New Zealand's Liam Lawson to complete the remainder of the 2024 season for Red Bull Racing (RB). Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, will step aside after 257 races, leaving his seat for Lawson, who has been a reserve driver for the team.

Lawson, 22, will take over from Ricciardo starting with the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 20, marking a new chapter for the young driver as he takes on the final six rounds of the season. Ricciardo’s future has been in doubt for much of the year, following his struggle to regain competitive form since returning to the sport with RB mid-season.

RB team principal Laurent Mekies expressed gratitude for Ricciardo’s contributions, stating, “Daniel has been a fantastic asset to the team, bringing not only his vast experience and racing skill but also a positive and uplifting attitude that boosted team spirit. We will miss him, but he will always remain a part of the Red Bull family.”

Ricciardo’s return to the grid came after a disappointing two-year stint with McLaren, where he was dropped after the 2022 season. He was given a second chance by RB, filling in for Nyck de Vries midway through the 2023 campaign. However, Ricciardo’s comeback was cut short by a wrist injury in his third race, with Lawson stepping in to deputize for the next five rounds. Despite returning with a strong fourth-place qualification in Mexico, Ricciardo has struggled to consistently match his teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s performances this season.

Credit: Zak Mauger

Lawson’s promotion is a testament to Red Bull’s confidence in young talent, and Mekies is optimistic about the move. “Liam has proven himself capable under tough conditions, and we believe he’s ready to make the step up,” Mekies said.

Ricciardo’s exit marks the end of an era for the charismatic driver, whose final significant act was setting the fastest lap in Singapore, denying former teammate Lando Norris an additional point and aiding Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in his title defense. The Australian’s legacy in the sport remains intact, though his future in F1 is uncertain.