Liam Lawson to take Ricciardo's place at Red Bull for the remainder of 2024

Visa Cash App Red Bull confirmed that Liam Lawson will compete in the final races of the 2024 Formula 1 season. Lawson will race alongside Yuki Tsunoda, starting at the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This decision was made official following Daniel Ricciardo’s departure, who had been struggling since his return to the team.

Lawson, who debuted in the category in 2023, already has experience with the team and showed solid performance in the races he participated in during Ricciardo’s recovery. At the Singapore Grand Prix, Lawson achieved a ninth-place finish, scoring valuable points for Red Bull. Laurent Mekies, the team’s director, highlighted Lawson’s ability to adapt under challenging conditions, which facilitates his full integration into the team.

Ricciardo’s Journey and Departure from Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo returned to Red Bull in 2023 as a reserve driver after a difficult stint with McLaren. The Australian hoped to regain his form, but his performance was not enough to meet the team’s expectations. Although he had some good moments, he failed to firmly establish himself, which led to speculation about his future since the Singapore Grand Prix.

In that race, Ricciardo’s situation worsened. He was eliminated in the first qualifying session, and with limited performance, he could not solidify his position within the team. This became more significant as both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko refrained from denying rumors about his departure, fueling expectations of a change.

The Rise of Liam Lawson and Red Bull’s Decisions

Liam Lawson, a member of Red Bull’s driver academy, has shown great potential since becoming a reserve driver in 2022. His performance and ability to handle pressure in recent races positioned him as a strong candidate for a full-time seat. Helmut Marko had already expressed interest in giving him more opportunities, and Ricciardo’s departure paved the way for Lawson to take the wheel for the remainder of the season.

Red Bull needed to make a quick decision about Lawson, as other teams might have attempted to sign him. His transition within the team is seen as a logical step, given his previous experience and the confidence he has generated among the management.