New Zealander Liam Lawson is about to step into Daniel Ricciardo’s sneakers at Crimson Bull Racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the rest of the Formulation 1 season.
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Earlier at this time, Crimson Bull Racing confirmed the departure of Daniel Ricciardo, expressing gratitude for his contributions throughout two separate stints with the group.
Following Ricciardo’s departure, Crimson Bull Racing introduced that Lawson, who has served as a reserve driver since 2022, will tackle the position beginning with the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Lawson made his Grand Prix debut final 12 months at Zandvoort as an alternative 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 exchange Ricciardo with Lawson for the season’s closing six races follows deliberations on the senior management degree inside Crimson Bull Racing. This transfer permits the group to guage 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, group principal of Crimson Bull Racing, expressed gratitude to Ricciardo for his dedication and professionalism throughout his tenure with the group, highlighting his optimistic influence each on and off the monitor.
“We’re grateful for Daniel’s contributions over the previous two seasons,” Mekies stated. “His expertise and expertise have tremendously benefited the group, and his optimistic angle has fostered a robust group spirit. Daniel has been a real gentleman, at all times smiling, and he will likely 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 group and his potential to deal with stress underneath 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 position. It’s incredible to see younger expertise from inside the Crimson Bull program stepping up, and we sit up for 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 turning 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 all the group 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 be aware with their new driver lineup.
In the meantime, Daniel Ricciardo mirrored on his departure, thanking the group and followers for his or her assist all through his profession:
“I’ve beloved this sport my entire 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 subsequent journey.”
With Liam Lawson now formally getting into the driving force’s seat, all eyes will likely be on the younger New Zealander as he takes on the problem of racing towards F1’s elite. For Ricciardo, the subsequent chapter stays unclear, however his legacy inside Crimson Bull and the broader world of Formulation 1 is assured.
