Following weeks of speculation, RB and Daniel Ricciardo have both announced the departure of the 35-year-old Australian driver from the team. This announcement likely marks the end of Ricciardo’s career in the sport.
A Long Time Coming?
Rumours of Ricciardo’s departure have surrounded the driver for quite some time, after poor race performance did little to convince fans that he was worthy of his seat. His performance was also unconvincing to higher-ups at RB, who reportedly gave him until Singapore to improve, at risk of being dropped altogether by the team.
The end of the Line
After Ricciardo was dropped similarly by McLaren in 2022, in favour of another rookie driver, Red Bull gave Ricciardo a way back into the sport. After a few months as the Reserve Driver for the Red Bull team, he was invited to join the RB team at the expense of Nyck de Vries.
Much like de Vries, without the RB seat, there seems to be no place in Formula One for the Australian. Following the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo made it obvious in post-race interviews that he believed his time at RB, and by extension in Formula One, was over.
New Kid on the Block
In Ricciardo’s place, Formula One welcomes Liam Lawson. Having raced in the RB last season in Ricciardo’s place (as he was out with injury), many have been impressed by his talent in the car. In five race starts, he gained two points, placing 20th in a 22 man 2023 Drivers’ Championship.
Lawson’s entrance into Formula One, much like Oscar Piastri’s once was, will be dampened by the loss of a very popular driver. Time will tell if RB has made the right call.
Written by Alexandra.
Featured Image Credit: danielricciardo.com
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