Skip to main content

F1 driver upheaval: RB replaces Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson for 2024

Ricciardo's departure is not a surprise, even for him

By Bruce Brown Sep 26, 2024 2:10 PM

rb replaces r1 driver daniel ricciardo with liam lawson for 2024 team photo visa cash app rv — Visa Cash App RB

The Visa Cash App RB F1 team announced that New Zealand native Liam Lawson will replace Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo for the remainder of the 2024 F1 Grand Prix season. Lawson will drive with team member Yuki Tsunoda in the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 20.

Why the RB team replaced Ricciardo mid-season

Daniel Ricciardo head shot.
Ricciardo told interviewers on F1 TV at the Singapore Grand Prix on September 22 that his performance during that race could decide his future as an F1 driver.

Recommended Videos

After a two-year hiatus in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Ricciardo took a seat driving for Red Bull’s second team, formerly called AlphaTauri, now RB or Visa Cash App RB. Ricciardo hoped his RB performance would lead to a driver’s spot for Red Bull Racing, last year’s Constructors’ Champion. Unfortunately, due partly to bad luck but mostly to his performance, Ricciardo wasn’t meeting the hopes of the combined Red Bull team management. And he knew it.

Ricciardo, who raced in 258 Grands Prix in 14 seasons, won eight times, was on the winners’ podium 32 times, and scored 1,329 Driver’s Championship points. Ironically, he scored his last point in Singapore when he drove the fastest lap in the race.

RB Team Principal Laurent Mekies noted Ricciardo’s positive effect on the team when he thanked the driver, saying, ” He has brought a lot of experience and talent to the Team with a fantastic attitude, which has helped everyone to develop and foster a tight team spirit.”

Who is Liam Lawson?

Liam Lawson was a Red Bull reserve driver. Last year, he drove for RB in five Grands Prix while Ricciardo recovered from a broken hand. In his two years in F2 racing, Lawson won five races and was on the winners’ podium 13 times. In his new role, Lawson will have six races to demonstrate that he deserves a seat for the 2025 season.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam,” Mekies said. “It’s great to see young talent from within the Red Bull family make the next step. We’re looking forward to getting our heads down and focusing on the rest of the season together.”

Bruce Brown Contributing Editor As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce… Read Full Bio

Topics

Michael Jordan’s 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello Hitting Auction Block After Decades-Long Search

Car, Coupe, Sports Car

On May 29, 1997, Michael Jordan had a Ferrari 550 Maranello delivered to him. It was a match made in heaven: a renowned supercar for the greatest basketball player of all time. At the time, Jordan was on a quest to win his fifth NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls. Less than a month later, he accomplished the feat. Hours after claiming his fifth NBA title on June 13, 1997, Jordan was seen in the bowels of United Center, sitting in his Ferrari, with a cigar in hand. Photographers followed him as he smiled for the cameras while he sat behind the wheel: Rosso Barchetta over tan leather, chrome Speedline wheels, and an Illinois plate that read “MJ 5.”

The Ferrari 550 Maranello was a landmark for the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, marking its return to the front-engined V12 — a two-seat berlinetta with a gated manual, the configuration that made the marque’s name, revived after more than two decades away. The Ferrari was a constant presence as he geared up for his sixth NBA title and his second three-peat. He drove the car to home games, practices, and public appearances.

Honda Just Hid a Superbike Engine Inside a 1980s Time Machine

Helmet, Adult, Male

In the late 70s and early 80s, legendary racer Freddie Spencer rocketed around circuits, capturing AMA Superbike titles and exhibiting the smooth, precise style he became known for. But just as important were the bikes he did it on — production-based Honda CB750s and 900s, looking as much like street bikes as racing machines. No windscreen, upright bars, and a bulging, muscular fuel tank. It was truly production-based racing.

That era of Honda CB motorcycles had the rare combination of street presence and race-worthy performance — icons of an era gone by. But Honda didn’t forget. The new CB1000F hearkens back to AMA Superbike’s golden age, while looking ahead with modern tech and street-worthy style. Here’s what makes this bike a compelling design.

Here are the three Cadillac drops you missed at Monterey Car Week

Car, Coupe, Sports Car

If you are a gearhead, or just a car guy in general, then you know that last week (like every year around this time) the car world descended on California for Monterey Car Week. It is an opportunity to check out some of the best of the best that is hitting the market this year. And, also, a really great opportunity to just stare at beautiful vehicles, both old and new. Of course, one of the most storied and luxurious car manufacturers in the country is always ready to make a splash, and luckily for their fans, Cadillac showed up with something special to show off. They created the optimum day-to-day ride, the best date night or evening ride, and then the completely impractical but equally badass machine.

Here are the three big moments for Cady lovers that landed at Monterey Car Week.