Daniel Ricciardo Out, Liam Lawson In for Final Six Races

Daniel Ricciardo has been replaced by Liam Lawson at Red Bull for the remainder of the 2024 season. The 35-year-old Australian was dropped with six races left, as Red Bull’s management felt his performances weren’t convincing enough. The decision allows Red Bull to evaluate 22-year-old Lawson, who will use the remaining races to stake his claim for a 2025 seat.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised Ricciardo, acknowledging the experience and positivity he brought to the team. “Daniel’s fantastic attitude helped foster team spirit, and he will always hold a special place in the Red Bull family,” Mekies said. Despite Ricciardo’s contribution, Lawson’s promotion signals Red Bull’s focus on the future.

Lawson previously filled in for Daniel Ricciardo in 2023 after the Australian broke his wrist at the Dutch Grand Prix. The young New Zealander impressed by scoring two points with a ninth-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix. Mekies expressed confidence in Lawson, noting that he “coped well under difficult circumstances last season, making this transition a natural one.”

Red Bull hasn’t confirmed its 2025 driver lineup yet. Yuki Tsunoda is guaranteed a seat but the second spot remains undecided. Ricciardo’s declining performance ruled him out of a potential return to Red Bull’s senior team alongside Max Verstappen. Ricciardo’s F1 career once considered stellar, took a downturn after he left Red Bull in 2018. He struggled at McLaren despite a memorable win at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.

Red Bull briefly revived his career in 2023 by making him a reserve driver and later promoting him midseason. However, Lawson has now taken over with an opportunity to secure a long-term future at Red Bull or their senior team. The F1 season resumes with the US Grand Prix in October.