Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 journey has come to an abrupt end as RB confirmed that the Australian will not complete the 2024 season, with rising star Liam Lawson stepping in to replace him for the remaining six races alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
Ricciardo’s exit comes after mounting speculation during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, where the paddock buzzed with rumors that his second stint with the Faenza-based squad could be his last. Despite efforts to prove his worth, Ricciardo struggled to consistently outperform Tsunoda, finishing 10 points behind and being out-qualified in 12 races this season.
Reflecting on his departure, Ricciardo admitted that the increasing difficulty to compete at the highest level might be a sign that age has caught up with him. “I’m not going to restart my career,” Ricciardo acknowledged, hinting at the challenges of maintaining peak performance in his mid-30s compared to his early days in the sport.
“It definitely came easier for me when I was 25 as opposed to 35. Also, the competition is getting stronger. The simulators are better, and young drivers now have access to all onboards, allowing them to study and elevate their level of competition.”
Ricciardo, who once thrived as a top competitor, placing third in the championship twice with Red Bull, has struggled to recapture his former form. His attempts to secure a seat at the senior Red Bull team have fallen short, and the Australian has openly admitted that battling through the midfield isn’t what he’s in the sport for.
“I want to make sure I leave the sport with good memories and not end up in a place where it’s just a grind, being knocked out in Q1 every weekend,” Ricciardo confessed. “That’s obviously not fun.”
Acknowledging the reality of his situation, Ricciardo stated that his motivation hinged on proving he still had what it takes to compete for wins with Red Bull. However, with that opportunity now out of reach, he questioned his reasons for remaining in the sport.
“This year was about trying to do well enough to get back into Red Bull and fight for wins again. I felt like I came up short with that, so I have to ask myself, what else am I staying on the grid for?” he reflected.
Ricciardo’s departure marks the end of an era for a driver known for his fierce competitiveness, charismatic personality, and memorable victories. As he bows out, Ricciardo leaves behind a legacy of thrilling moments but also a reminder of the unforgiving nature of Formula 1, where the competition is relentless and the margins for success are razor-thin.
