Liam Lawson has shared that Daniel Ricciardo played a significant role as a mentor during the uncertain early weeks of his F1 2025 season, providing guidance that helped shape his progress. The Liam Lawson Red Bull journey took unexpected turns, with Lawson moving from the main team to Racing Bulls, yet Ricciardo’s support stood out as a stabilizing force throughout.
Ricciardo’s Quiet Departure and Continued Support
Daniel Ricciardo left Formula 1 in a subdued manner following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix after an accomplished career of eight Grand Prix victories over thirteen years. Unlike many peers, he exited the sport without fanfare, formal announcements, or elaborate tributes. Instead, Ricciardo focused on offering help to Lawson, the rookie driver who effectively succeeded him within the Red Bull ranks.
When Ricciardo broke his hand during the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Lawson, serving as Red Bull and Racing Bulls’ reserve driver, was swiftly placed into action for the remainder of that race weekend and for the next four rounds. This opportunity effectively relaunched Lawson’s Formula 1 career.
At that point, despite being a strong performer in Formula 2 and a Super Formula championship contender, Lawson seemed destined to miss out on a full-time Formula 1 drive, as Red Bull’s lineup appeared settled. However, that substitute stint thrust him back into the spotlight and intensified competition within the team, particularly for Ricciardo.
Changes Within the Team and Lawson’s Challenges
The struggle for seats sharpened when Ricciardo was bypassed as a mid-season replacement for Sergio Perez during the 2024 season. The decision essentially signaled the end of Ricciardo’s future at Red Bull. Lawson concluded the 2024 campaign at Racing Bulls alongside Yuki Tsunoda and was rewarded with a call-up to the senior team for 2025.
Unfortunately, Lawson’s step up at the beginning of 2025 proved demanding. As a driver with fewer than a dozen races under his belt, he found adapting to the RB22 car challenging and failed to deliver the expected performance levels. Management opted to switch him with his former Racing Bulls teammate Yuki Tsunoda, a move shaped both to strengthen Red Bull’s second car and protect Lawson’s mental health during a difficult phase.
Ricciardo’s Mentorship and Lawson’s Reflections
During these testing times, Ricciardo’s consistent willingness to provide advice became a crucial anchor for Lawson. As the season unfolded, Lawson openly credited Ricciardo for offering steady guidance, particularly when the pressure mounted.
“He’s been somebody that I obviously looked up to when I was very young,”
Lawson told PlanetF1.com over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend—Lawson, Formula 1 driver.
Lawson elaborated that his respect for Ricciardo only grew after experiencing his professionalism firsthand: Ricciardo’s support remained constant, even after being replaced. Lawson emphasized how vital their conversations were, especially early in the year when the challenges seemed overwhelming. He stated that Ricciardo always answered calls and provided guidance when it was most needed.
“He’s somebody that I have a very, very good amount of respect for.”
—Lawson, Formula 1 driver.
Finding Form Mid-Season and Building for the Future
As the campaign progressed, Lawson reclaimed his footing partway through the year, in part thanks to technical developments discovered during the Monaco Grand Prix, as noted by Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane. Although he was not brought back to Red Bull for the following season, by the end of 2025 Lawson had closed the performance gap to his teammate Isack Hadjar.
Lawson’s improvements cemented his place for another season, retaining his seat over Yuki Tsunoda. Observers within the paddock credited some of this turnaround to the advice and attitude of Ricciardo, whose support allowed Lawson to weather the pressures of Formula 1’s unforgiving environment.
Ongoing Significance of Mentorship in Formula 1
Liam Lawson’s journey through the Red Bull ranks highlights the profound impact experienced drivers like Daniel Ricciardo can have on up-and-coming talents. The guidance Lawson received during moments of upheaval contributed to his determination and performance, reinforcing the crucial role of mentorship in high-pressure sports.
Lawson’s trajectory, guided in part by Ricciardo’s wisdom, has not only secured him another season with the team but also illustrated the importance of respect, adaptability, and support networks within motorsport. The developments of the 2025 season suggest that Lawson’s career—and Red Bull’s ongoing team dynamics—will continue to be shaped by such pivotal relationships and transitions within Formula 1.
