Lawson Shares What Ricciardo Told Him During Last Grand Prix Weekend In F1

Saturday, 28 September 2024 at 17:00

Liam Lawson shared his feelings after being announced as RB's new F1 driver and what Daniel Ricciardo told him during his last weekend in F1.

On Thursday, September 26th (the week following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix), RB / VCARB officially announced that Daniel Ricciardo would be leaving the team "with immediate effect."

The Honey Badger's replacement will be 22-year-old reserve driver Liam Lawson. Lawson sat in his car for five race weekends during the previous season, 2023 (when Ricciardo suffered an injury).

Speaking to Newstalk ZB right after the announcement, Lawson admitted he had known about Red Bull's (Red Bull owns RB) decision for about two weeks—so it was clear before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

"Obviously I knew about it for the last sort of two weeks. But until it's out there to the world, it obviously doesn't really feel set, and it's not like I could tell anybody."

Interestingly, the New Zealander was present in Daniel Ricciardo's garage during his last race in F1. When asked how it felt, Lawson admitted it wasn't good.

"Ricciardo is clearly being sacked and everybody knows, and they know that you know. Not good, honestly."

Liam Lawson in Daniel Ricciardo's garage viewing data screens during the free practice session before the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.

Liam Lawson In Daniel Ricciardo's garage during free practice ahead of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix

"Singapore was definitely not an enjoyable weekend for me, just because obviously we all knew what was coming."

The 22-year-old will be sitting behind the wheel of VCARB starting from the 2024 United States Grand Prix and will have nine races (including sprints) to show what he's got.

As it stands, Lawson only has a contract until the end of the 2024 season, so his future in F1 also isn't certain yet, and he will have to make the most of his opportunity if he wants to continue. He added as he revealed what Ricciardo told him:

"Daniel has always been very good to me in a lot of ways. But obviously, for me, I get one shot at F1, and it's come now, and I'm obviously grateful for that opportunity, but I now need to take it with both hands. He's said the same thing to me, 'You need to make the most of it.'"