RB has confirmed that New Zealander Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo to partner Yuki Tsunoda for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
The announcement confirms Lawson for the final six rounds of the season but does not mention a full-time contract for 2025.
“I’m very excited to say that I’ll be driving in the car from Austin,” he said in a video posted on Visa Cash App RB social media.
“It’s obviously a massive opportunity and a dream come true for me, so I want to say thank you to the team for this opportunity. I want to say thank you to you guys for the support as well. It’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m looking forward to getting into it, and I’ll see you guys in Austin.”
The 2023 Super Formula runner-up will get back behind the wheel of Formula 1 machinery at Circuit of the Americas on October 20. He will then drive at events in Mexico (October 27), Brazil (November 3), Las Vegas (November 23), Qatar (December 1), and Abu Dhabi (December 8).
The United States, Brazilian and Qatar Grand Prix also double as Sprint weekends.
Lawson raced at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar when he filled in for an injured Ricciardo for five races in 2023, where he finished 17th. He is yet to taste Formula 1 action at the other five tracks.
The 22-year-old’s promotion seemingly brings an end to Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career. The popular Australian boasted a career record of 257 starts and eight wins, accruing 1329 points.
VCARB Team Principal, 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, and 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.”
Following the confirmation of his Formula 1 exit, the Australian took to social media to reflect on his F1 journey.
“I’ve loved this sport my whole life,” he posted. “It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey. To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you.
“It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.”
Ricciardo was 14th in the 2024 Driver’s Championship, having been outscored 22-12 by Tsunoda, who is 12th.
