Daniel Ricciardo's message to... Read more

Daniel Ricciardo’s message to Liam Lawson after F1 axe speaks volumes about Aussie

Liam Lawson has shared that Daniel Ricciardo extended a gracious face-to-face message to him, even thoug Lawson is set to take over Ricciardo’s seat in Formula 1. VCARB confirmed this week that with only six races left in the season, Lawson, aged 22, will be stepping in to replace the struggling Australian driver, whose performance this season has been underwhelming.

Ricciardo has only managed to accumulate a total of 12 points this season, with his best finish being an eighth place in the Montreal Grand Prix. He has consistently been outperformed by his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, who has secured 22 points. In light of this situation, Red Bull made the decision to replace Ricciardo during a four-week hiatus from racing, with the next Grand Prix scheduled to take place in Texas from October 18-20.

Lawson spoke fondly of his relationship with Ricciardo, emphasizing the respect and support he has received from the veteran driver. “I honestly have a very good relationship with Daniel, and he’s always been really good to me,” Lawson stated. “So it wasn’t nice to have it unfold the way it did, but obviously I get one shot at this and I need to take it.”

The young driver acknowledged that he sensed the change was coming when he saw Ricciardo before his departure. Ricciardo, in their conversation, encouraged Lawson, saying, “Make sure you take it with both hands, good luck, there’s absolutely no hard feelings.” This reflects Ricciardo’s understanding of the competitive nature of the sport and Lawson’s opportunity to shine.

Lawson’s comments serve to bolster Ricciardo’s reputation as one of the more amiable and popular figures in Formula 1. Following this announcement, Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to Ricciardo, calling him a “legend,” which further highlights the respect Ricciardo commands within the paddock.

Lawson’s transition into Ricciardo’s role doesn’t seem to faze him. He previously filled in for Ricciardo for five races during the 2023 season after the 35-year-old driver suffered a hand injury. During that stint, Lawson managed to secure a top-10 finish in Singapore and even finished ahead of Tsunoda on two occasions, showcasing his potential as a promising driver in the competitive environment of F1.

This development might signal the end of Ricciardo’s long-standing association with Red Bull, though it does not necessarily indicate the end of his F1 career. Ricciardo had an impressive tenure with the main Red Bull team from 2014 to 2018, during which he finished third in the drivers’ standings on two occasions.

Following the announcement of Ricciardo’s demotion, Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, took to social media to express his gratitude and bid farewell to Ricciardo. He thanked him for the “wins, smiles, songs,” and emphasized that Ricciardo will always hold a special place in the Red Bull family. This heartfelt message underscores the strong bond and camaraderie that can exist within the team, even in the face of competitive changes.

Ricciardo’s departure from the main team marks a significant moment, not only for him but for the entire Red Bull organization, as they prepare for the future with Lawson at the helm. As Lawson steps into this pivotal role, the anticipation surrounding his performance and potential contributions to the team will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.

Overall, this transition reflects the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where performance and results can lead to rapid changes. For Lawson, this is a critical opportunity to establish himself in the sport, while for Ricciardo, it marks a new chapter in his career, potentially leading to new endeavors within or outside Formula 1. The motorsport community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how both drivers navigate these changes in the coming weeks.