VCARB welcome Lawson after saying goodbye to 'gentleman Ricciardo'

Laurent Mekies has reacted to the departure of Daniel Ricciardo and the arrival of Liam Lawson at Visa Cash App RB. The Frenchman sympathises with Ricciardo having to leave Red Bull Racing's sister team, but welcomes Lawson's arrival at the Formula 1 team.

VCARB team principal Laurent Mekies reacted Daniel Ricciardo's departure and the arrival of Liam Lawson to his team, after the driver change was announced on Thursday afternoon, the team report. The Frenchman sympathises with Ricciardo, and welcomed Lawson's at the Faenza-based formation.

"Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us. 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. Daniel has been a true gentleman both on and off the track and never without that smile. He will be missed, but will alwayshold a special place within the Red Bull family," Mekies said of Ricciardo, who drove his last F1 race in Singapore last weekend. The Australian could also set the fastest lap of the race, taking a point away from Lando Norris in the Asian country.

In doing so, Mekies is delighted at the arrival of Lawson. The New Zealander will be Yuki Tsunoda 's teammate and will once again drive Formula One in Austin. " I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam. He already knows the Team well. He drove for us last season, and coped well under difficult circumstances, so it’ll be a natural transition."

"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," Mekies concluded.

This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi

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