It has now been over a year since Daniel Ricciardo stepped away from Formula 1. After the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo was replaced by Liam Lawson, who currently races for Racing Bulls.
Daniel Ricciardo: a genuinely good person
During last week’s Singapore Grand Prix weekend, the New Zealand driver reflected on the transition and his relationship with the Australian: “It was obviously a difficult moment for us. The main thing I’ve learned is just how genuinely good Daniel is — the way he treated me throughout the entire period, from his hand injury to his return as a reserve driver,” Lawson said.
“We had an excellent relationship. Honestly, we still do. I have a huge amount of respect for him. He sent me a really nice message after Baku and, of course, he is focused on his own path at the moment. He has been a big support to me. Plus, coming from the same part of the world, we both understand how difficult it is to reach this level, and we have both been very fortunate,” Lawson added.
Ricciardo’s challenging Formula 1 journey
Daniel Ricciardo’s career in Formula 1 has had its ups and downs. His early successes came with Red Bull, where many thought he was destined to become one of the sport’s future champions. However, when Max Verstappen joined Red Bull, it quickly became clear that the Dutch driver was the team’s number one. This prompted Ricciardo to move to Renault in search of a new opportunity.
Unfortunately, this move did not provide him with a competitive car capable of fighting for wins. Daniel Ricciardo spent subsequent seasons at McLaren and then AlphaTauri/Racing Bulls. His career took another turn when he fractured a metacarpal bone in his hand during the Dutch Grand Prix.
After undergoing surgery, he missed one race but returned for Singapore. By that time, however, the team had already decided to replace him. From the following race onward, Liam Lawson took over Daniel Ricciardo’s seat at Racing Bulls.
Mutual respect and understanding
Despite the challenging circumstances, Liam Lawson emphasizes the respect and admiration he holds for Daniel Ricciardo, highlighting the professionalism and support Ricciardo offered during a transitional phase of his own career. The two drivers share not only a racing background but also a similar path from their part of the world, which deepens their mutual understanding and respect.
Leave a Reply