Amid a wave of speculation and swirling rumors, it has been confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo’s time with VCARB has come to an end, marking the likely conclusion of his storied Formula 1 career. The news sent shockwaves through the F1 community, but no one felt it more deeply than Ricciardo’s former Red Bull teammate and friend, Max Verstappen.
The Australian driver, who has struggled throughout the 2024 season with only 12 points, was replaced ahead of the Austin Grand Prix as VCARB opted for fresh talent in the form of Liam Lawson. Ricciardo’s exit was cemented after a difficult year that failed to live up to the expectations of both fans and team principals.
In a heartfelt farewell message on Instagram, Ricciardo reflected on his journey, sharing his love for the sport and the joy it has brought him. His post was flooded with support from fans, fellow drivers, and team members, including an especially poignant message from Verstappen.
Verstappen’s Emotional Tribute to Ricciardo
The Dutchman, who shared some of the most memorable moments of his career alongside Ricciardo at Red Bull, left a touching comment on Ricciardo’s farewell post. “Heads up, mate! Many more beautiful moments to come,” Verstappen wrote, capturing the sense of camaraderie and deep friendship that has defined their relationship over the years.
Verstappen’s gesture wasn’t just a simple goodbye; it was a reminder of the bond they shared, both on and off the track. Their last on-track moment together came at the Singapore GP, where Ricciardo inadvertently aided Verstappen’s championship bid by taking the fastest lap point away from Lando Norris, a final act of friendship in his F1 career.
Ricciardo Reflects on His Journey
Ricciardo’s Instagram post was filled with gratitude and emotion as he reflected on his time in F1. He thanked his teams, teammates, and everyone who supported him, admitting that he didn’t want to leave but respected the team’s decision. His love for the sport and the thrill of racing was palpable in every word, making his departure even more bittersweet.
Liam Lawson’s Big Break
Following Ricciardo’s exit, Liam Lawson expressed his excitement and gratitude for finally achieving his dream of racing in F1. The New Zealander, who has been a full-time reserve driver for Red Bull since 2022, will now take over Ricciardo’s seat for the remainder of the 2024 season. Lawson shared his own heartfelt message on social media, highlighting his eagerness to showcase his talent on the world stage.
“I’ve dreamed of being a Formula One driver since I was a kid, and I’m very happy to say that dream is finally coming true,” Lawson wrote. “I want to thank VCARB and Red Bull for this opportunity. I’m extremely grateful and excited to get to work.”
The Future of Red Bull and Ricciardo’s Legacy
With Lawson set to complete the season for VCARB, the focus now shifts to Red Bull’s main team and Verstappen’s ongoing battle to maintain his championship lead. Despite the challenges, Verstappen remains determined, while Ricciardo’s legacy as one of F1’s most charismatic and beloved drivers endures.
As rumors continue to swirl about Verstappen’s potential move to Aston Martin in 2026, the Dutchman made it clear that leaving Red Bull isn’t on his mind, for now. The journey forward for both drivers promises to be filled with challenges and opportunities, but one thing is certain: the memories of Ricciardo’s time in F1, and the friendships forged along the way, will be cherished for years to come.
Ricciardo may be stepping away from the grid, but his spirit, humor, and love for racing will always be remembered. And as Verstappen poignantly put it, this may not be the end, but rather the start of many more beautiful moments to come.
