New RB driver Lawson reflects on Ricciardo exit saga
In the wake of a turbulent weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix, new RB driver Liam Lawson has shared his thoughts on the departure of Daniel Ricciardo. The 21-year-old New Zealander, who has been confirmed to replace Ricciardo for the remainder of the season, admitted that the unfolding situation was unpleasant.
"Not good, honestly. Singapore was definitely not an enjoyable weekend for me because we all knew what was coming," Lawson told Newstalk ZB's "Mike Hosking Breakfast". During the race weekend, F1 cameras occasionally captured Lawson in the paddock, observing from the RB garage as the drama unfolded.
Red Bull's announcement last Thursday confirmed the long-speculated move. Ricciardo's last race with the team at Singapore was an emotional one, with the veteran driver evidently grappling with the realization that it was his final stint with RB.
Despite the escalating rumors, Lawson insisted that Ricciardo remained professional and supportive throughout. "Daniel has always been very good to me in a lot of ways when I drove last year. Even this season, I've never felt in competition with him or anything like that. It wasn't a nice feeling [in Singapore]," he said.
He continued to praise Ricciardo, highlighting the veteran's grace under pressure. "He did a very good job at the weekend, honestly. I have a huge amount of respect for how he dealt with everything," Lawson noted. "The guy's a lot more public, a lot more famous than I am, so he's getting a lot of questions and trying to sidestep those. He did a very good job at that."
According to reports, Ricciardo was aware of his impending exit before the Singapore Grand Prix, corroborating Lawson's timeline. "It had been a plan for a long time, or this is where it was leading, at least. I had a contract date that needed to be fulfilled," Lawson explained. "A couple of weeks ago they told me this was going to happen, and then basically not long after that, it was set in stone."
The decision to replace Ricciardo was cemented by exercising an option clause in Lawson's contract, reportedly triggered a week earlier on the same day as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
As Lawson steps into the spotlight, Red Bull's announcement leaves questions about the future beyond 2024. The team is still evaluating the longer-term prospects of Sergio Pérez, whose recent poor form has allowed McLaren to take the lead in the constructors' championship.
While the circumstances of his promotion are complex, Lawson is keen to seize this pivotal opportunity. "I get one shot at F1, and it's come now. I'm obviously grateful for that and I need to take it with both hands," he stated. Ricciardo, ever the sportsman, reinforced this sentiment, advising Lawson to "make the most of it."
The coming races will undoubtedly be a significant test for Lawson, as he aims to solidify his place in one of the most competitive environments in motorsport.
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