- Daniel Ricciardo has lost his seat at Red Bull after a disappointing run of form
- The 35-year-old only finished in the top 10 in three of his 18 races in 2024.
- RB initially replaced Ricciardo with Liam Lawson, 22, from New Zealand
Formula One legend Daniel Ricciardo has lost his seat with Red Bull after a disappointing run of form.
The 35-year-old driver has competed in F1 since 2011 and was on the podium in eight Grand Prix during an excellent career. However, he has only finished in the top 10 in three of his 18 races this year.
With six races left in the 2024 season, RB opted to replace Ricciardo with 22-year-old Liam Lawson.
Lawson, from Hastings in New Zealand, is expected to get the chance to impress RB bosses before his 2025 plans are finalised.
The New Zealand driver replaced Ricciardo in five races during the 2023 campaign after the Australian broke his wrist in a crash at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Red Bull has dropped Daniel Ricciardo with six races remaining in the 2024 season
Red Bull initially signed 22-year-old driver Liam Lawson as Ricciardo’s replacement.
Ricciardo finished 18th in last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
A team statement issued on Thursday evening read: “Visa Cash App RB can confirm today that Liam Lawson will drive for the team for the remainder of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship season, racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda in the Grand Prix. United States Prize at the Circuit of the Americas.
“Liam has been a Red Bull reserve driver since 2022 and debuted at the Zandvoort Grand Prix last year during Daniel’s recovery period. His impressive performance in five races allowed him to score points for the team and finish ninth at the Singapore GP.
Ricciardo, who has been one of F1’s most popular characters during his 13-year career, later wrote in an Instagram post: “I have loved this sport all my life.” It’s wild and wonderful and it’s been a journey.
‘To the teams and individuals who have contributed, thank you. To the fans who sometimes love the sport more than me haha, thank you. It will always have its ups and downs, but it’s been fun and, to be honest, I wouldn’t change it.
“Until the next adventure.”
The 35-year-old Australian, pictured drinking champagne from his shoe while taking the podium at Monza in 2021, has won eight Grands Prix during his Formula One career.
RB team manager Laurent Mekies said: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work over the last two seasons with us. 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 strong team spirit. Daniel has been a true gentleman both on and off the track and never without that smile, but he will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.
‘I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam. You already know the team well. He drove for us last season and coped well in difficult circumstances, so it will be a natural transition. It’s great to see the young talents in the Red Bull family take the next step. “We can’t wait to put our heads down and focus on the rest of the season together.”