Daniel Ricciardo's Emotional Farewell from Red Bull Racing

Daniel Ricciardo, beloved Formula 1 driver, was released by Red Bull Racing and replaced by Liam Lawson. Ricciardo's tenure ended at the Singapore Grand Prix. Known for his stellar career and affable personality, Ricciardo bid an emotional goodbye. Lawson, an experienced reserve driver, will take over Ricciardo’s seat.

Daniel Ricciardo, one of the most popular and likeable drivers on the Formula 1 grid, was released by Red Bull Racing and will be replaced by Liam Lawson.

The 35-year-old Ricciardo knew at the Singapore Grand Prix it was likely his final F1 race — a realization confirmed when his RB team called him into the pits ahead of the final lap to give the Australian the opportunity to set the fastest lap of the race.

Ricciardo hit the mark — taking a bonus point away from title challenger Lando Norris and indirectly aiding Max Verstappen in his quest for a fourth consecutive drivers' championship — then remained inside his car for an unusually long period after the race, savoring his final moments.

Upon finally making his way back to the paddock, Ricciardo had to walk through an honor guard of supporters, who lined up applauding him. Ricciardo acknowledged it was likely his last race, revealing he had hoped to use his time at RB to return to the main Red Bull team but didn't get the "fairytale ending" he desired.

"Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us," RB team principal Laurent Mekies said. "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 he will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family." Ricciardo won eight races over 14 seasons, with his final victory at Monza in 2021 driving for McLaren. After the 2022 season, he was bought out of his McLaren deal and hired to return to Red Bull as a team ambassador.

That led to seven races in 2023 with Red Bull's sister team. Ricciardo was given the seat full-time for 2024, but through 18 races, he has only finished within the points on three occasions.

His best finish in the championship was third in 2014 and 2016 — years when Mercedes dominated the season, and Ricciardo, then at Red Bull, was effectively best of the rest.

Verstappen's arrival at Red Bull in 2016 gradually shifted Ricciardo into a supporting role. His career stalled after moves to Renault in 2019 and McLaren in 2021, where he was largely outclassed by Norris.

Ricciardo made a lasting impact on F1 as a prominent face in the sport's U.S. boom driven by Netflix's "Drive To Survive" series. However, he has shown no interest in moving to American motorsports, expressing particular fear of racing IndyCar on ovals.

As for his future, Ricciardo remains uncertain. "When I got into F1, everyone knew me as the happy guy and the nice guy, but I do have a killer instinct," he said in the first episode filmed during the 2018 season. "I do believe I can be world champion and for me it's like, Why else would I be doing this?'"

Liam Lawson, from New Zealand, will finish the season at RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda. Lawson, who has been a Red Bull reserve driver since 2022, made his Grand Prix debut in Zandvoort last year when Ricciardo was injured. His five-race drive then saw him score points for the team, finishing ninth at the Singapore GP.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam. He already knows the team well. He drove for us last season under difficult circumstances, so it'll be a natural transition," Mekies said. "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."

(With inputs from agencies.)