New Zealander Liam Lawson is ready to step into Daniel Ricciardo’s footwear at Crimson Bull Racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the rest of the Formulation 1 season.
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Earlier in the present day, Crimson Bull Racing confirmed the departure of Daniel Ricciardo, expressing gratitude for his contributions throughout two separate stints with the workforce.
Following Ricciardo’s departure, Crimson Bull Racing introduced that Lawson, who has served as a reserve driver since 2022, will tackle the function beginning with the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Lawson made his Grand Prix debut final 12 months at Zandvoort as an alternative choice to the injured Ricciardo, impressing with a sequence of stable performances over 5 races, culminating in his first factors end with a ninth-place on the Singapore Grand Prix.
The choice to interchange Ricciardo with Lawson for the season’s last six races follows deliberations on the senior management degree inside Crimson Bull Racing. This transfer permits the workforce to judge Lawson alongside his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who’s having fun with a standout season and has already secured a contract for subsequent 12 months.
Laurent Mekies, workforce principal of Crimson Bull Racing, expressed gratitude to Ricciardo for his dedication and professionalism throughout his tenure with the workforce, highlighting his constructive impression each on and off the observe.
“We’re grateful for Daniel’s contributions over the previous two seasons,” Mekies stated. “His expertise and expertise have vastly benefited the workforce, and his constructive perspective has fostered a powerful workforce spirit. Daniel has been a real gentleman, at all times smiling, and he will probably be missed whereas holding a particular place inside the Crimson Bull household.”
Mekies additionally warmly welcomed Lawson, emphasizing the younger driver’s familiarity with the workforce and his skill to deal with stress below difficult circumstances.
“We’re excited to welcome Liam,” Mekies continued. “He has already demonstrated his capabilities with us final season, and we imagine he’ll seamlessly transition into his new function. It’s implausible to see younger expertise from inside the Crimson Bull program stepping up, and we look ahead to working collectively for the rest of the season.”
In response to his promotion, Liam Lawson expressed gratitude and pleasure about fulfilling his childhood dream of changing into a Formulation 1 driver.
“I’ve dreamed of being a Formulation 1 driver since I used to be a child, and I’m thrilled to see that dream come true,” Lawson commented. “I need to thank Crimson Bull Racing and the whole workforce for this chance. I’m extraordinarily grateful and desperate to get to work.”
The stage is now set for Lawson to make his mark alongside Tsunoda as Crimson Bull Racing goals to complete the season on a excessive word with their new driver lineup.
In the meantime, Daniel Ricciardo mirrored on his departure, thanking the workforce and followers for his or her assist all through his profession:
“I’ve cherished this sport my complete life. It’s wild, it’s fantastic, and it’s been a journey. To the groups and people who’ve performed their half, thanks. And to the followers who love the game as a lot as I do – if no more – thanks. There have been highs and lows, however I wouldn’t change a factor. Till the following journey.”
With Liam Lawson now formally entering into the driving force’s seat, all eyes will probably be on the younger New Zealander as he takes on the problem of racing in opposition to F1’s elite. For Ricciardo, the following chapter stays unclear, however his legacy inside Crimson Bull and the broader world of Formulation 1 is assured.
