Alex Albon believes Red Bull’s decision to part ways with Daniel Ricciardo was influenced not just by the Australian’s performance but also by the success of several young drivers, including Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman. The 2024 Formula 1 season has seen these rookies rise to the occasion, challenging the status quo and ultimately pushing the veteran driver out.
Ricciardo, once considered Red Bull’s backup option if they chose to replace Sergio Perez, will not return for the remaining six rounds this season. Instead, the team has opted for Liam Lawson to partner with Yuki Tsunoda, signaling a clear shift towards assessing the potential of younger talents for future roles within the senior team.
Speaking to Motorsport.com’s Brazilian site, Albon highlighted the growing trend of emerging talents taking the spotlight, which may have motivated Red Bull to rethink its strategy. “It’s tough. I really like Daniel. He’s a great ambassador for the sport,” Albon remarked. “But seeing how well Ollie and Franco have performed this season, it’s clear Red Bull is focusing on youth. Liam’s done well too.”
Colapinto has turned heads since stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams, while Bearman has scored points with both Ferrari and Haas. These standout performances suggest that teams are increasingly willing to give fresh faces a chance, leading Red Bull to take a ruthless approach with Ricciardo.
Albon, sympathetic to Ricciardo’s situation, hinted at the Australian’s potential next moves. Given Ricciardo’s popularity in the United States—boosted by his charismatic appearances on Netflix’s Drive to Survive—Albon suggested a switch to NASCAR could be on the cards. “I could see him doing something like NASCAR,” Albon speculated. “He loves life and has strong ties to the U.S., so it could be a natural fit.”
Ricciardo himself hasn’t ruled out the possibility of racing outside F1, but he remains uncertain about the idea. “I’m a fan of NASCAR and other motorsports,” Ricciardo stated. “But having been at the peak of F1, I’m not sure if anything else would give me the same fulfillment. It’s something I’ll only consider if I find myself out of F1.”
As Red Bull’s focus shifts toward developing younger drivers, Ricciardo’s future remains uncertain. However, with his fanbase and charisma, a move to American racing circuits might just be the next chapter for the former F1 star.
