Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has finished with the Racing Bulls team. By the end of the season, New Zealander Liam Lawson will replace him in the cockpit of the sister team of the championship Red Bull. The team management announced this on social networks. For the thirty-five-year-old Ricciardo, this may mean the end of his career in F1.
“Everyone at the team would like to thank Daniel for his work over the last two seasons with us. He is a true gentleman on and off the track who never lost his smile. He will be missed but will always have a special place in the Red Bull family ,” said team boss Laurent Mekies.
There was already speculation about Ricciardo’s end last week before the Singapore Grand Prix. The native of Perth finished the race in 18th place, but in the end he set the fastest lap. He did not hide his emotions after the finish line.
In addition to the Racing Bulls team (formerly AlphaTauri), Ricciardo also worked for McLaren, Renault and especially Red Bull. In his colors, he took third place in the final standings of the World Championship in 2014 and 2016. He has a total of 257 starts, eight victories and 32 podium finishes. He scored only 12 points this season.
“I’ve loved this sport with all my heart. It’s a wild and amazing journey. It’s always going to have its ups and downs, but it’s been fun and I wouldn’t change it,” said Ricciardo.
Thirteen years younger, Lawson is Red Bull’s reserve driver from 2022. He replaced Ricciardo in five races last year when the Australian broke his wrist in a practice crash for the Dutch Grand Prix. “Liam already knows our team well. He also drove for us last season and handled all the complex issues. So it will be a natural transition for him,” added Mekies.
Source: www.tyden.cz
