Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo at RB for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Red Bull finally confirmed on Thursday.
The saga over Ricciardo’s future dominated the build-up and aftermath of last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.
Ricciardo was emotional in interviews after the race, where he set the fastest lap on his final lap, as it became apparent it was likely his final race in the sport.
Red Bull, owner of the RB team, has now made the news official, announcing Lawson will step in for Ricciardo from the U.S. Grand Prix onwards.
Lawson, 22, joined the Red Bull driver programme in 2019.
The New Zealander raced for RB in five races last year as deputy for Ricciardo, who broke a bone in his hand during practice for the Dutch Grand Prix.
The news likely signals the end of Ricciardo’s F1 career.
Thank you Daniel 💙
⁰Laurent Mekies on Daniel: “He has brought a lot of experience and talent to the Team with a fantastic attitude, which has helped everyone to develop and foster a tight team spirit.”#F1 #VCARB pic.twitter.com/cqKrbFAehU— Visa Cash App RB F1 Team (@visacashapprb) September 26, 2024
Ricciardo won seven races in his original stint with Red Bull between 2014 and 2018, while also claiming victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix for McLaren.
On Thursday, RB posted a thank-you message to Ricciardo, praising him for his service to the team, before the press release announcing Lawson followed 20 minutes later.
RB boss Laurent Mekies said: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us. He has brought a lot of experience and talent to the Team with a fantastic attitude, which has helped everyone to develop and foster a tight team spirit.
“Daniel has been a true gentleman both on and off the track and never without that smile. He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam. He already knows the team well. He drove for us last season, and coped well under difficult circumstances, so it’ll be a natural transition. It’s great to see young talent from within the Red Bull family make the next step. We’re looking forward to getting our heads down and focusing on the rest of the season together.”
Although there was no confirmation of 2025 in the press release, it is widely expected Lawson will continue on with RB into next season.