'Always be here for you ' - Hamilton Leads Tributes to...

‘Always be here for you ‘ – Hamilton Leads Tributes to…read More.

Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career seems to have reached its end after Red Bull Racing decided to release him with six races remaining in the 2024 season. The decision by Red Bull’s junior team was announced on Thursday, confirming that Ricciardo will be replaced by young New Zealand driver Liam Lawson for the rest of the campaign. This latest move appears to signal the final chapter of the Australian’s remarkable F1 career as a driver, which has spanned 14 seasons, 257 grand prix starts, and eight race victories.

Tributes have poured in for Ricciardo, a beloved figure in the paddock known for his charisma, infectious smile, and entertaining driving style. Among the many voices paying homage to the 35-year-old was seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who took to social media to reflect on their years competing against each other and the unique moments they shared on and off the track.

Hamilton shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, emphasizing the respect and admiration he holds for Ricciardo. “It’s been an honor to compete with you over the years,” Hamilton wrote. He recalled the fierce battles they had on the track as well as the moments of camaraderie, even referencing one of Ricciardo’s famous celebratory traditions — drinking champagne out of a shoe, known as a ‘shoey.’ “I’ll never forget the battles, the laughs, and drinking out of your shoe. It was gross, but glad I got to do it with you bud,” Hamilton added.

The British driver went on to acknowledge Ricciardo’s authenticity and positivity, two qualities that endeared him to fans worldwide and made him a standout character in the high-pressure world of Formula 1. “You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile, and I salute you for it,” Hamilton continued. He concluded the tribute with a note of encouragement, expressing his belief that Ricciardo has plenty of opportunities ahead, even if they lie outside the cockpit of an F1 car. “There is so much more for you up ahead, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”

Ricciardo’s departure from the Red Bull family comes after a challenging return to the team’s junior squad. After initially parting ways with McLaren at the end of the 2022 season, Ricciardo rejoined Red Bull in a reserve driver capacity in 2023, before getting a second chance to race with AlphaTauri (Red Bull’s junior team) midway through 2024. However, his performances were inconsistent, and he faced tough competition from younger talents like Liam Lawson, whose promotion for the remaining races of the season effectively ended Ricciardo’s hopes of continuing in F1.

Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career, though possibly over, leaves behind a legacy of exciting racing, iconic overtakes, and a personality that won the hearts of fans. His victories, particularly his incredible drives for Red Bull earlier in his career, made him one of the most popular and respected drivers on the grid. While his future remains uncertain, Ricciardo’s impact on the sport will not be forgotten.

As fans and fellow drivers continue to reflect on his career, Ricciardo himself has yet to comment extensively on what’s next. However, his departure from the Formula 1 grid marks the end of an era, as one of the sport’s brightest and most beloved personalities steps away from the spotlight, at least for now.