As anticipated, Visa Cash App RB has confirmed that Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo for the remainder of the 2024 F1 season.
The announcement from the Faenza-based outfit is anything but a surprise as all signs last weekend in Singapore pointed to the event at Marina Bay being Riccardo’s final outing with the team, and likely in Formula 1.
Lawson, who has been a Red Bull reserve driver since 2022, made his Grand Prix debut in Zandvoort last year, substituting for Ricciardo following a wrist injury suffered by the latter in Friday’s practice session at the venue.
The 22-year-old Kiwi acquitted himself well during his five-race stint with the team, scoring points as he finished ninth at the Singapore Grand Prix.
“Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us,” commented RB team principal Laurent Mekies.
“He has brought a lot of experience and talent to the Team with a fantastic attitude, which has helped everyone to develop and foster a tight team spirit.
“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.”
©RB
Mekies went on to welcome Lawson back to the team.
“He already knows the Team well,” he added. “He drove for us last season, and coped well under difficult circumstances, so it’ll be a natural transition.
“It’s great to see young talent from within the Red Bull family make the next step. We’re looking forward to getting our heads down and focusing on the rest of the season together.”
It’s worth noting that RB has yet to confirm its full line-up for 2025. Yuki Tsunoda’s contract with the team was extended for next season, but it’s likely that Red Bull has opted to keep its options open for the time being across both its teams.
Should Lawson outperform Tsunoda in the remain six races, and should Sergio Perez continue to struggle at Red Bull, the Kiwi could find himself inline for a promotion to the Milton Keynes-based outfit and a seat alongside Max Verstappen.
Ricciardo, who leaves the grid with 257 races, 8 wins and 32 podiums under his belt responded to the news with an emotional post on Instagram.
“I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey,” he wrote.
“To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you.
“It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun, and truth be told I wouldn’t change it.
“Until the next adventure.”
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