Daniel Ricciardo is set to leave Racing Bulls. The Australian is expected to be replaced by Liam Lawson after the Singapore Grand Prix.
According to Ralf Schumacher, this weekend could mark Daniel Ricciardo’s final appearance as a Racing Bulls driver, and likely as a Formula 1 driver at all.
The announcement of the move comes at a critical time for the 35-year-old Australian, who has had his share of ups and downs in his Formula 1 career.
If this information is confirmed, it is Liam Lawson, a young New Zealand talent, who should take over alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the end of the 2024 F1 season, starting with the United States Grand Prix scheduled for Austin.
Liam Lawson, a strategic replacement for Red Bull
Schumacher clarifies that this replacement would “part of the contract” for Liam Lawson. Indeed, Red Bull would have risked losing this young prodigy if it had not offered him a starting place quickly. This change, although hasty, seems inevitable to protect the interests of the team.
To understand this decision, we need to look back at Ricciardo’s career. After a flourishing period at Red Bull with six wins, followed by a mixed stint at McLaren despite a success at Monza in 2021, Ricciardo has not found his rhythm in the last two seasons at AlphaTauri and then Racing Bulls. His recent performances, including a very disappointing performance in Baku, seem to have sealed his fate.
Uncertain future for Ricciardo in F1
On the eve of his 35th birthday and with 247 Grands Prix under his belt, Daniel Ricciardo seems to be approaching the end of his Formula 1 career, which should end this weekend in Singapore.
His results are not in his favour, and Red Bull’s management, including the uncompromising Helmut Marko, have apparently finally decided to dismiss him earlier than expected. The prospect of replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull for the 2025 F1 season now seems very distant for the Australian driver…
