The 2024 Formula 1 season told the story of a driver clearly struggling. Despite remaining one of the most well-liked figures in the paddock, his performances were not enough. The Australian’s issues coincided with the new generation of cars introduced in 2022. He never seemed to establish a connection with the ground-effect cars.
Daniel returned to a full season after taking part in a few races in the latter half of 2023. Initially, the situation with Racing Bulls seemed promising, but the partnership failed to deliver the desired results. Performance was the key factor leading to his departure from the Red Bull family.
Season statistics
Daniel Ricciardo finished the 2024 Formula 1 season in eighteenth place, scoring 12 points. His head-to-head record in races with Yuki Tsunoda was 9-9, but the Japanese driver scored more points. In qualifying, the Australian struggled more, losing 6-12.
One of the standout moments of the season was the Miami weekend, particularly the sprint race. Daniel qualified fourth and managed to maintain the position in the short race, earning 5 points. Another positive weekend was in Canada, where he secured a seventh-place finish, his best result of the year.
Ricciardo’s season ended before the Austin GP. He was replaced by Liam Lawson, who later earned a promotion to Red Bull. It is highly unlikely that Daniel’s future will be in Formula 1, at least as a driver. Unfortunately, the results fell short of expectations, and leaving Racing Bulls was inevitable.
Comments from Daniel Ricciardo and Laurent Mekies
The Racing Bulls Team Principal commented on Daniel Ricciardo’s departure: “Daniel brought a lot of experience and talent to the team with a great attitude. He helped everyone improve and strengthened team spirit. He was a true gentleman both on and off the track, always with a smile. We will miss him, but he will always hold a special place in the Red Bull family.”
Daniel Ricciardo himself shared his thoughts on leaving the sport: “I’ve loved this sport all my life. It’s been incredible, and I’ve had an amazing journey. To the teams and people who have been part of it, thank you. To the fans who love this sport, sometimes even more than I do, thank you as well. There will always be ups and downs, but I’ve had fun, and to be honest, I wouldn’t change it.”
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