Daniel Ricciardo’s emotional response after Visa Cash App RB confirms Liam Lawson will replace him for the remainder of the 2024 F1 season.
The Australian will leave the team with immediate effect with only six rounds of the 2024 campaign remaining, marking an end to his storied F1 career which includes 8 F1 race victories and 32 podiums in 257 Grand Prix starts.
Ricciardo’s final race was the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, where he placed 18th overall despite setting the fastest lap after qualifying 16th at the Marina Bay Circuit.
In a way, it encapsulates his F1 career since leaving Renault in 2020 which has been defined by brief victories interspersed with three dreadful years at McLaren and RB.
Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull Racing was initially seen as a chance for redemption after a challenging period with McLaren, where he struggled to find his footing. His charisma and talent made him a fan favorite, and many hoped that he would recapture the form that once saw him celebrated as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
However, despite some flashes of brilliance throughout the season, including a commendable performance during the Singapore GP where he set the fastest lap, it became increasingly evident that he was unable to consistently deliver the results needed to secure his position within the team.
Nevertheless, the eight-time Grand Prix winner’s adventure has come to an end, and this is Daniel Ricciardo’s emotional response to RB’s sacking which the 35-year-old acknowledged with a social media message.
“I’ve loved this sport my whole life,” Ricciardo said via Instagram. “It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey.
“To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you.
“It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.”
Looking ahead, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Ricciardo navigates this uncertain chapter in his career. Will he find another seat within Formula 1? Could he transition into other forms of motorsport or even take on roles outside racing?
The possibilities are numerous, but one thing is clear: Daniel Ricciardo’s impact in Formula 1 extends far beyond his driving skills; he is an emblem of resilience and determination in a sport known for its relentless competition.