Daniel Ricciardo’s Heartfelt Gesture: A Beacon of Support Amidst F1 Turmoil
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, iconic racer Daniel Ricciardo has demonstrated his unwavering class and support for fellow driver Liam Lawson after the latter faced a dramatic exit from the Red Bull team. Ricciardo, who parted ways with Red Bull in September 2024, has not only transitioned into a new role as an ambassador for Ford Racing but has also shown that his commitment to his peers remains steadfast.
Lawson, who had proven himself as a formidable reserve driver for both Red Bull and their sister team, found himself in the exhilarating yet tumultuous world of F1, stepping in for the injured Ricciardo in 2023. His impressive performances led to a full-time seat, but just a year later, he was unceremoniously replaced by Lawson, marking a harsh turn of events for the young New Zealander.
The 2024 season brought a whirlwind of challenges for Lawson as he struggled to find his footing alongside the seasoned Max Verstappen. Unfortunately, his tenure in the coveted Red Bull seat was short-lived; after just two races, he was demoted back to the Racing Bulls team. The harsh realities of F1 can be brutal, and Lawson candidly expressed how incredibly tough this situation was for him.
However, amidst the chaos, Lawson found an unexpected ally in Ricciardo. During an emotional interview at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, Lawson recounted how Ricciardo became a pillar of support during his struggles. “He’s been somebody that I obviously looked up to when I was very young,” Lawson shared. “After working closely with him over the last couple of years, I’ve developed tremendous respect for him, especially with how he handled everything last year. His respect towards me never wavered.”
Ricciardo’s willingness to share his wisdom and experiences proved invaluable to Lawson, who reached out for advice during his challenging moments. “Every time I picked up the phone to ask for advice, he was always there to talk,” Lawson revealed. This unwavering support speaks volumes about Ricciardo’s character, solidifying his status as not just a remarkable racer, but also a mentor to those emerging in the sport.
As Lawson embarks on a new chapter, he aims to rebuild his confidence alongside Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls. While Hadjar’s dazzling performances have put him in the spotlight for the 2026 Red Bull seat, Lawson’s determination shone through as he scored a staggering 34 of his 38 points in the latter part of the season. His resilience is undeniable as he prepares to face the pressure of being the seasoned driver next to 18-year-old rookie Arvid Lindblad in 2026.
However, the stakes have never been higher for the 23-year-old Lawson. He enters the new season with the weight of expectations on his shoulders, knowing that failure to outperform his teenage teammate could jeopardize his future in F1. The world will be watching as Lawson strives to reclaim his status and carve out a successful path in the high-octane world of Formula 1.
As the drama unfolds on the track, one thing is clear: Daniel Ricciardo’s classy gesture has not only highlighted the camaraderie within F1 but has also set a powerful example of support and mentorship in a sport often characterized by fierce competition. The racing community eagerly anticipates what lies ahead for both Ricciardo and Lawson as they navigate the thrilling yet unpredictable landscape of Formula 1.
