Lawson to replace Ricciardo for remainder of the season

Published on 27 September 2024 by Florence Cobben

The RB team has announced that for the remaining six races of the season, Daniel Ricciardo will be replaced by Liam Lawson.

That news is not entirely surprising. During last week's Singapore Grand Prix, rumours were swirling about the imminent departure of the Australian. After Ricciardo finished the race with eighteenth place and fastest lap to his name, it was his teary replies to reporters that all but confirmed the end of his driving contract.

The confirmation by team RB has brought the driver's F1 career to a provisional end. The 35-year-old has driven in 257 Grands Prix and won eight of them, seven for Red Bull Racing. From 2016 to 2018, Ricciardo was Max Verstappen's teammate.  

The gap in the grid will be filled by Liam Lawson. The 22-year-old New Zealander made his Formula 1-debut last year subbing in for Ricciardo, who temporarily couldn't drive after sustaining a wrist injury. At the time he claimed two points in Singapore and was well-matched to teammate Yuki Tsunoda.