In a move that ends weeks of speculation, Visa Cash App RB (Red Bull’s sister team) has announced the immediate departure of eight-time Formula 1 race winner Daniel Ricciardo. The 34-year-old Australian, known for his charismatic personality and impressive career, will be replaced by Red Bull junior driver Liam Lawson, a 22-year-old New Zealand native who has already gained valuable experience in F1.
Ricciardo’s departure marks the end of his second stint with the Red Bull organization. After rejoining the team in 2023, he was brought in to replace Nyck De Vries, who had been underperforming. Despite his short tenure at RB, Ricciardo brought a wealth of experience and talent to the team, contributing to a strong team dynamic, according to RB Team Principal Laurent Mekies.
Ricciardo leaves behind an impressive F1 legacy. Over his 14 seasons, he secured eight race victories, 32 podium finishes, and accumulated 1,329 points across 257 races. Ricciardo is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most entertaining drivers, both on and off the track. Mekies praised him for his positive attitude and significant contributions to the team, saying, “He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.”
In an emotional post on Instagram, Ricciardo reflected on his career, saying, “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey… To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me … thank you. It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun.”
Liam Lawson, a rising star in the Red Bull junior program, will take over Ricciardo’s seat starting at the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Lawson is no stranger to F1, having stepped in for Ricciardo during five races in 2023 while the Australian recovered from a wrist injury. As the reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and RB, Lawson has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to secure a full-time race seat.
At just 22, Lawson brings youthful energy to the team and represents the next generation of Red Bull drivers. RB has long been a stepping stone for future Red Bull Racing drivers, and Lawson follows in the footsteps of others who have made the transition from the development team to the main squad.
Ricciardo’s departure raises questions about his future in the sport. The Australian had been linked to a potential return to Red Bull Racing, but the decision to replace him with Lawson suggests a shift towards youth development for the team. While Ricciardo has expressed pride in his accomplishments, including a memorable victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix during his stint with McLaren, he has also been open about his desire to win a world championship.
In a recent interview with CNN, Ricciardo admitted that while he is proud of his F1 career, he still feels a desire to add a world championship to his resume. “I can still be proud without it because I’ve put the effort in,” he said. “But yeah, I still want to add that. That would give me 100% the full picture of happiness and satisfaction.”
Whether Ricciardo will return to the F1 grid in the future remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of the sport’s most beloved and successful drivers is firmly intact. For now, fans will have to adjust to an F1 grid without the ever-smiling Australian, while RB prepares for a new chapter with Liam Lawson at the helm.
