Ricciardo replacement hit with FIA PUNISHMENT due to...

Ricciardo replacement hit with FIA PUNISHMENT due to… Ahead of United States…Read More.

The future of Daniel Ricciardo in Formula 1 has taken another turn, as his replacement at VCARB, Liam Lawson, is set to face a significant challenge in his return to the grid. After a tough season for Ricciardo, where he struggled to find his old form, Lawson has been handed the opportunity to prove himself, not just for the remainder of 2024 but potentially for the 2025 season as well. However, the young New Zealander’s return will be anything but smooth, as he’s already been hit with a major setback before even stepping into the car.

VCARB announced last week that Ricciardo would be replaced by Liam Lawson for the final six races of the 2024 season. This decision comes after Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, endured a difficult season, regularly being outperformed by his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. At 35 years old, the Australian struggled to recapture the magic that made him one of the sport’s most celebrated drivers. His replacement, Lawson, has already proven his talent when he stepped in for Ricciardo during the 2023 season after the veteran broke his wrist. In his five-race stint, Lawson impressed the paddock, showcasing pace and maturity beyond his years.

Despite Lawson’s strong performances, Ricciardo returned to his seat for the 2024 season, but the results have not been promising. Now, with the season nearing its end, VCARB is giving Lawson another shot, and this time, the stakes are even higher. Reports suggest that a seat alongside Max Verstappen in Red Bull’s main team is up for grabs, should Lawson deliver strong performances in the upcoming races. It’s a golden opportunity for the 22-year-old to establish himself as a top contender in Formula 1.

Lawson Hit with Grid Penalty in Austin

Unfortunately for Lawson, his much-anticipated return to the grid will be hampered by a 10-place grid penalty at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. The penalty comes as a result of an engine change in his VCARB car, a decision that was confirmed by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Speaking to Motorsport-Total, Marko stated, “The first [race], I think, won’t be relevant because he has an engine penalty. Ten places in the sprint race, so that doesn’t exactly make life easier in Austin.”

The grid drop puts Lawson at a significant disadvantage, especially in a sprint race weekend format where opportunities to recover are limited. However, the young New Zealander will have two chances to make an impression in Austin, with both the sprint race and the main race offering valuable opportunities to fight through the field and score points.

While the grid penalty is far from ideal, it presents Lawson with an early test of his resilience and racecraft. Many drivers have faced similar penalties and still managed to deliver standout performances, and Lawson will be eager to prove that he can overcome the odds. With rumors swirling about a potential promotion to Red Bull, the pressure is on for the 22-year-old, but his ability to handle adversity could be the key to his success.

As the Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on Liam Lawson as he steps in for Ricciardo and tries to secure his future in the sport. Despite the early setback, Lawson’s raw talent and hunger for success make him a driver to watch, and the United States Grand Prix could be just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.