Last Updated on September 26 2024, 9:58 pm
Daniel Ricciardo leaves RB Racing with immediate effect – In a surprising turn of events with just six races remaining in the 2024 Formula One season, Daniel Ricciardo’s time at the pinnacle of motorsport has come to an abrupt end.
On Thursday, the Racing Bulls F1 Team (RB) officially announced that they were parting ways with the popular Australian driver with immediate effect. The confirmation puts an end to widespread rumours and speculation and marks the end of Ricciardo’s return to the team where he once thrived.
Rosberg insight into latest Horner/Wolff row
End of the road for Ricciardo: Singapore to be his final race
The announcement confirms what many fans already suspected: Daniel Ricciardo’s final race for RB will be the Singapore Grand Prix. The 35-year-old driver, who made a celebrated return to F1 after a hiatus, will not contest the remaining six races of the season. In his place, the team has opted to promote 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson, a move that signals a shift towards nurturing young talent within the Red Bull Racing ecosystem.
“Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work over the past two seasons,” said Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of RB Racing Bulls. “Daniel was a true gentleman on and off the track and never lost his smile. He will be missed and will always have a special place in the Red Bull family.
Nicknamed the “Honey Badger” for his tenacity and larger than life personality, Ricciardo has long been a fan favourite. Mekies went on to praise the Australian for the wealth of experience, talent and positive attitude he brought to the team, which helped to foster a close-knit team spirit during his time with the organisation.
Ricciardo angry at Red bull bosses
A love for the sport: Ricciardo’s emotional farewell
As one of the most charismatic and popular drivers on the grid, Ricciardo’s departure has left fans with a bittersweet feeling. The driver himself took to social media to express his gratitude and reflect on his F1 career.
“I have loved this sport all my life. It is wild and wonderful and it has been a journey. To the teams and individuals who have played their part, thank you. To the fans who sometimes love the sport more than I do, haha, thank you,” said Ricciardo, his characteristic humour shining through even in the face of disappointment.
Despite the early end to his 2024 season, Ricciardo remained philosophical about his time in F1.
“There will always be ups and downs, but it’s been fun and honestly I wouldn’t want to change it.”
Until the next adventure. His departure, while sudden, feels like a natural conclusion to a challenging year in which Ricciardo’s ultimate goal of challenging for victories again with Red Bull remained elusive.
At the start of the season, Ricciardo admitted that his ambition to recapture his past form had fallen short: “This year I wanted to try and be good enough to drive for Red Bull again and fight for wins again and see if I still had what it takes.”
He added with characteristic candour: “I don’t want to just take up space now.”
Horner threats to Perez see Ricciardo on standby
A new chapter for RB Racing: The rise of Liam Lawson
With Ricciardo stepping aside, the spotlight now turns to Liam Lawson, a promising young driver who has been steadily rising through the ranks. Having shown his potential as a test driver and in reserve races, Lawson now has the opportunity to prove himself on the main stage.
“Liam already knows the team well,” said Mekies of the young New Zealander. “He did well in 2023 under difficult circumstances.” Mekies insisted that Lawson’s promotion to regular driver is a “natural transition” and expressed confidence that the young talent can live up to the expectations set by Ricciardo’s performances.
“And it’s nice that a young driver from the Red Bull family can take the next step,” Mekies added, reaffirming Red Bull’s commitment to developing home-grown talent. The decision, while practical from a team development perspective, signals a shift in the team’s focus towards a new generation of racers.
Calls for FIA sanctions over Red Bull collaboration
Backlash from fans: Ricciardo’s mid-season exit draws criticism
While the team’s decision to part ways with Ricciardo may make strategic sense, it has not gone down well on social media. Fans, many of whom see Ricciardo as one of the most likeable figures in the paddock, have expressed their displeasure at the way the split has been handled.
The mid-season timing has been particularly criticised, with many calling it a harsh and unceremonious exit for a driver who has been a crowd favourite for years. While Formula One is no stranger to cut-throat decisions, especially when it comes to competitive results, the timing of the departure has sparked heated debate in the F1 community.
Liberty Media confirms Hamilton’s team ownership interest
What lies ahead for Ricciardo?
As Daniel Ricciardo steps away from the world of Formula One, the question naturally arises as to what lies ahead for the Australian driver. Known for his adventurous spirit and infectious personality, it seems unlikely that Ricciardo will remain out of the spotlight for long.
Whether he returns to another form of motorsport, takes on a more ambassadorial role within the sport or embarks on an entirely new journey remains to be seen.
For now, Ricciardo leaves behind a legacy of thrilling overtakes, broad smiles and unforgettable moments on the track. His final chapter in F1 may have come to an end earlier than expected, but his contribution to the sport will not be easily forgotten.
As for the Racing Bulls team, all eyes will be on Liam Lawson as the young driver steps into the seat once occupied by one of the sport’s most charismatic figures. Time will tell if Lawson can rise to the occasion, but one thing is certain: the 2024 season has just got a lot more interesting.
READ MORE – Hamilton throws tantrum, Mercedes apologises
MORE F1 NEWS: Ricciardo replaces retired Perez?
Allard Kalff, a respected Dutch journalist with good insight into Red Bull, suspects Perez played role in Ricciardo’s F1 sacking and uncertain position – Daniel Ricciardo’s time with the Red Bull Racing Team appears to be coming to an end as speculation mounts over his departure from the Austin-based outfit. Despite the rumours circulating.
Red Bull Racing have yet to make an official announcement. Dutch motorsport journalist Allard Kalff recently shared his thoughts on the matter, revealing a deeper understanding of the delay and the uncertainty surrounding Ricciardo’s future…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
