Lawson replaces Ricciardo at RB for remainder of F1 season

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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.

Read also: Ricciardo rules out return to reserve role with Red Bull

“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.”

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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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.