For days now, there have been persistent rumors that Daniel Ricciardo is about to leave the Racing Bulls. Former Formula 1 driver and TV expert Ralf Schumacher also stated on Wednesday that the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix this weekend will be the Australian’s last race.
In the “Sky” interview, the younger brother of record world champion Michael Schumacher was very sure that Ricciardo’s time with the Racing Bulls will end prematurely after next weekend.
“Unfortunately, it seems to be the last race for Daniel Ricciardo in Singapore now. And then Liam Lawson will drive from there. That was probably part of the contract, otherwise we would have lost Lawson,” said Schumacher, confirming the speculation that has been going on for some time about the former teammate of world champion Max Verstappen.
Background: Back in the summer, Red Bull Motorsport Director Dr. Helmut Marko confirmed that Lawson would be driving a Red Bull Formula 1 car from next year. So either as the new teammate of triple champion Verstappen at Red Bull or as the teammate of Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls. Now the current reserve driver is to be promoted in the middle of the season.
Ricciardo is nearing the end of his Formula 1 career
Ralf Schumacher believes that the decision to change drivers in the final third of the 2024 season makes sense. But the 49-year-old also said: “It’s a shame for Daniel. We’ll be missing a driver who is super likeable and always has a smile, who you like to meet in the paddock.
Last season, Liam Lawson replaced the “Honeybadger” for five races when he had to miss out with a hand injury. Back then, the New Zealander was able to achieve a top-ten placing.
Ricciardo himself has had persistent performance problems this year. In the qualifying duels he is 6:11 behind his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, and in the drivers’ championship the 35-year-old is 12:22 behind the Japanese.
If Ricciardo really loses his place to Lawson, it would most likely be the final end of his Formula 1 career after 256 race starts.
Source: www.sport.de
