OFFICIAL | Lawson joins VCARB after Ricciardo leaves with immediate effect

It was already in the air after the Singapore GP, and now it has become official: Daniel Ricciardo will be replaced by Liam Lawson at Visa Cash App RB. Lawson steps in at Red Bull Racing's junior team from the United States GP in Austin onwards, the team confirmed.

Initially, Ricciardo was said to have been allowed to finish the current season, but he will no longer get that chance. Instead, it was decided to put Lawson in the car for the remainder of the season. The New Zealander will compete in the final six races of 2024.

With the choice of Lawson, the team are complying with the wishes of their shareholders, who, according to top advisor Helmut Marko, see VCARB as a 'junior team' and therefore think the line-up should match that image. Moreover, a decision had to be made in September on the future of Lawson, as the driver from New Zealand would otherwise be free to leave for another team.

For Ricciardo, the GP weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit was emotional. Both mentally and physically exhausted, he appeared before the media, where he could not hold back his tears when asked about his future. The former teammate and close friend of Max Verstappen said he hoped he at least helped the Dutchman in his battle with Lando Norris for the world title, by taking the extra point for the fastest lap away from the McLaren driver in the closing stages of the race.

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