Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was released by the Red Bull Racing junior team effective immediately, marking an unexpected midseason exit from the sport during his second stint.
The future of Ricciardo, a popular Australian racer with eight Grand Prix victories over his 14-year career, is uncertain as he does not have a seat for the next F1 season, with most teams already set in their lineups for 2025. His impressive F1 record includes three pole positions and 32 podium finishes. The 35-year-old has gained a strong following in the United States, thanks in part to his appearances on Netflix’s “Drive to Survive.”
In a heartfelt goodbye to his 9.3 million Instagram followers, Ricciardo reflected on his life in racing. “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to the teams and fans who supported him. “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.”
As Ricciardo departs, reserve driver Liam Lawson will step into his role for the final six races of the 2024 season, which includes two races in the U.S.
RB team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged Ricciardo’s contributions over the last two seasons, praising his experience and positive attitude. “He has been a true gentleman both on and off the track and never without that smile. He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family,” Mekies stated.
When asked about the reasoning behind the midseason decision and whether there was a deadline for determining Ricciardo’s future, a Red Bull spokesperson declined to comment.
The Red Bull team, once dominant in the championship, is now facing challenges, having been surpassed in the constructors’ standings by McLaren. Max Verstappen, the team’s triple world champion, is also seeing his lead in the driver’s championship narrowed by McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Ricciardo started with the Red Bull junior team in 2011 and joined the senior team in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a formidable driver known for his bold overtakes. However, after a contentious relationship with Verstappen, Ricciardo left Red Bull in 2018, and his career has since been tumultuous, with a noteworthy victory for McLaren in 2021 followed by his departure from the team the following year. He returned to the Red Bull family last year as a reserve driver, hoping to find his footing again.
Following last weekend’s race in Singapore, where rumors about his potential replacement circulated, Ricciardo expressed his emotions, acknowledging the possibility that this could be his last race.
Mekies welcomed Lawson, who has gained positive recognition from the Red Bull team while substituting for drivers in the past. “He already knows the Team well, so it’ll be a natural transition. It’s great to see young talent from within the Red Bull family make the next step,” he said.