Liam Lawson revealed that he experienced extreme discomfort at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, knowing he was about to take over Daniel Ricciardo’s seat at Racing Bulls. This moment marked a significant point in the Liam Lawson Ricciardo transition, as it occurred shortly before Ricciardo’s final Formula 1 race for the team.
The Prolonged Departure of Daniel Ricciardo and Lawson’s Unease
During the weekend of this year’s Singapore Grand Prix, it became clear that Daniel Ricciardo would be replaced by Liam Lawson for the last six races of the 2024 season. Lawson had already covered for Ricciardo in five races during 2023 when Ricciardo was injured. Despite this, Racing Bulls did not announce the change during the race weekend, leaving Ricciardo to face persistent speculation about his future.
Ricciardo confirmed his retirement from motorsport last month and has since joined Ford as a global racing ambassador. His move is linked to Ford’s upcoming technical partnership with Red Bull, set for the 2026 F1 season, opening the possibility of Ricciardo returning to the paddock in a new role. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s team principal, recently declined to rule out Ricciardo’s return to the team in some capacity next year.
Lawson discussed the difficulty of being at Marina Bay in 2024 as Racing Bulls’ reserve driver while knowing he was about to replace Ricciardo. He acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation but praised Ricciardo’s support throughout the transition.
Lawson said, “It was obviously extremely uncomfortable.”
He added,
“I think the only thing I took away from it was how much of a good person Daniel is and how he was to me through the whole journey from when I first came into this seat, when he had his injury, to going back to reserve.”
Lawson also emphasized their continued good relationship, stating,
“We had a very good relationship and still do, honestly.”
I think my only takeaway from that weekend last year was just how much respect I have for him.
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls reserve driver
Ricciardo’s Career Shift and Future Possibilities
Ricciardo’s retirement followed a dirt bike accident earlier this year in Australia, which required hospital treatment. This incident came shortly after his first public appearance since stepping away from F1, where he openly shared the challenge of redefining his identity beyond being a racecar driver. Lawson lightheartedly mentioned Ricciardo’s need for a shave since resurfacing.
Lawson shared that Ricciardo reached out to congratulate him after Lawson’s strong performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, where he earned a career-best fifth place. This showed that despite their career shifts, Ricciardo remains a supportive figure.
Lawson said,
“He sent me a nice message after Baku.”
He continued,
“He’s obviously on his own journey at the moment, but he’s just somebody who’s been very supportive.”
Lawson also noted their shared background, explaining,
“Obviously we’re from the same part of the world as well, so it’s something that’s we probably both understand.”
It’s quite difficult to get to this point and we’re both very lucky.
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls reserve driver
Lawson’s Perspective on Ricciardo’s Motorsport Future
Asked about whether Ricciardo should keep the door open for a motorsport comeback, Lawson declined to speculate, emphasizing that such a decision is deeply personal. He acknowledged their differing career stages and the complexity of the choice.
Lawson remarked,
“He’s been out in the open a little bit. Probably needs to shave his beard in most people’s opinions!”
He added,
“He’s had a long career in Formula 1 and I think, for me, it’s very new.”
Lawson also reflected on his own aspirations, saying,
“Obviously I’m somebody who’s trying to stay in the sport and have a future in the sport.”
Regarding Ricciardo’s potential return to racing, he stated,
“But at some point it’s very personal. It’s whatever you decide.”
It’d be very hard for me to speak on behalf of his feelings because [we’re at] very different points of our careers.
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls reserve driver
What Lies Ahead for Lawson and the Team
The ongoing Liam Lawson Ricciardo transition highlights the complexities behind driver changes at top-level motorsport teams like Racing Bulls. Lawson is navigating the pressure of stepping into a high-profile role while maintaining respect for Ricciardo’s legacy. Meanwhile, Ricciardo’s involvement with Ford and potential links to Red Bull’s future leave open intriguing possibilities.
As the 2024 season progresses, observers will watch how Lawson adapts to his new role, and whether Ricciardo might reengage with Formula 1 in a different capacity. Laurent Mekies’s openness to Ricciardo’s future involvement suggests the story is far from over, making the coming months a critical period for both drivers and the team.
