Source – Motor Sport Magzine
Daniel Ricciardo’s second tenure in Formula 1 is coming to an end as he will be leaving RB immediately. For the last six races of the season, Liam Lawson of New Zealand will take his spot.
Daniel Ricciardo’s remarkable journey in Formula 1 is taking a sharp turn, as the Australian is set to leave RB with immediate effect, paving the way for a mid-season driver change that marks the end of his latest stint in the sport. Having returned to a full-time race seat last year in Hungary with AlphaTauri, Ricciardo continued with the team as they transformed into RB for this season. Despite a few shining moments on the track, including a fourth-place finish in the Miami Sprint and scoring points on five different occasions, it seems that his performances haven’t been enough to convince Red Bull to keep him on for the remainder of the campaign.
Sitting 14th in the drivers’ standings and trailing his teammate Yuki Tsunoda by 10 points, Ricciardo’s future with RB came under scrutiny as the team weighed its options for the rest of the season. His 18th-place finish in last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, despite setting the fastest lap, now appears to have been his final outing. The decision to part ways with the fan-favorite racer mid-season has left many wondering what lies ahead for Ricciardo, and whether we’ve seen the last of him in a Formula 1 car.
Ricciardo’s future in F1 looks uncertain, with rumors swirling but no firm options on the horizon for the 2025 season. While there is still one potential vacancy at Sauber/Audi, no concrete talks have been reported, and Valtteri Bottas remains the frontrunner to secure that seat for the team’s transition to Audi in 2026. For Ricciardo, who once stood on the verge of championship glory, this could mark the closing chapter of a storied F1 career that has seen him rack up an impressive eight wins, 32 podiums, and 1,329 points across 258 Grands Prix.
Spanning 14 seasons, Ricciardo’s time in Formula 1 has been marked by his natural talent, infectious personality, and moments of brilliance on the track. His best seasons came in 2014 and 2016, where he finished third in the drivers’ championship with Red Bull, solidifying his status as one of the top drivers of his generation. Over the course of his career, he has driven for six different teams – starting with HRT in 2011, before moving to Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault, McLaren, and most recently RB. Along the way, his daring overtakes, ever-present smile, and late-breaking moves have made him a fan favorite, earning him legions of supporters around the world.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Ricciardo’s impact on Formula 1 is undeniable. As he steps away from the RB seat, Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson has been named as his replacement for the remainder of the season, starting with the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin. Lawson, a promising talent from New Zealand, now has a golden opportunity to showcase his skills and stake his claim for a permanent seat in the future.
As for Ricciardo, while his future on the grid remains uncertain, his legacy in Formula 1 is secure. From his fearless racing style to his unforgettable victories and podium celebrations, the Australian has left an indelible mark on the sport. Whether he returns to the F1 grid or ventures into new opportunities in motorsport, Ricciardo’s name will always be synonymous with excitement, passion, and a love for racing that has endeared him to fans and competitors alike.
As the paddock looks ahead to the remainder of the 2024 season, the absence of Ricciardo will surely be felt. For now, all eyes will be on the rising talent of Liam Lawson as he takes the reins, while the F1 world waits to see what’s next for one of the sport’s most charismatic and beloved figures.
