The Formula 1 world was recently shaken by the news that Daniel Ricciardo would be stepping away from his role at Visa Cash RB, with New Zealand’s rising star Liam Lawson taking over for the remaining six races of the 2024 season. What led to this significant change, and how does it affect both drivers moving forward?
Ricciardo’s Rocky Return to RB
Daniel Ricciardo’s comeback to the Red Bull family seemed like a fairytale in the making. After leaving McLaren under tough circumstances and returning as a third driver for Red Bull, Ricciardo quickly became a fan favourite again, especially after stepping into the Visa Cash RB seat in mid-2023.
However, a series of unfortunate events, including an injury early in the season and inconsistent results, slowed his momentum. Despite a strong showing at the Canadian Grand Prix—where he finished 8th—his overall performance struggled to reach the expectations set by both the team and himself.
As a result, Visa Cash RB decided to make a strategic change.
The Lawson Opportunity
Enter Liam Lawson, the 22-year-old New Zealander who has been in Red Bull’s driver development program since 2019. Lawson impressed the team during his five-race stint in 2023, especially with his point-scoring performance at the Singapore Grand Prix. His familiarity with the team and his strong performances under pressure made him the ideal candidate to replace Ricciardo for the remainder of the season.
This is a critical period for Lawson. The last six races will act as an audition for a more permanent spot in the Red Bull family. If he performs well, he may have the opportunity to secure a seat alongside Max Verstappen in the senior team, or at least maintain his position in Visa Cash RB for 2025.
What’s Next for Ricciardo?
As of now, Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. While some speculate that he could remain within the Red Bull family in an ambassadorial role, it seems unlikely that he will return to a full-time driving position. Red Bull’s other drivers’ performance and potential movements in the driver market could also influence the final decision.
Final Thoughts: A Strategic Shift for Red Bull
This move is not just about Lawson’s potential; it’s also about Red Bull’s long-term driver development strategy. As the team assesses its options for the 2025 season and beyond, promoting young talent like Lawson is seen as essential for maintaining its competitive edge in an increasingly tight F1 grid. This change could shape the future of the team and the broader Formula 1 landscape.
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