Ricciardo’s Bittersweet Farewell: Will Singapore F1 GP Mark the End of an Era
Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 Career: Is Singapore GP His Last Race?
This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix could be Daniel Ricciardo’s final race in F1. Rumours that Ricciardo would lose his seat at Red Bull have become reality after multiple sources reported that the team has exercised the 2025 ‘option’ on Liam Lawson’s current contract.
The option, which expires at the end of September, appears to guarantee Lawson, a 22-year-old rookie reserve driver from New Zealand, at least five grand prix starts during the 2024 season.
“It’s probably part of the deal,” former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. “If we don’t do it, we’ll lose Lawson.”
Red Bull’s top F1 adviser Helmut Marko said in Baku last weekend: “It’s still September, but we will have an accurate picture from Singapore. It will be quite clear what happens in second place.”
Ralf Schumacher believes that Red Bull team owner will not only announce in Singapore that Lawson will be Ricciardo’s full-time replacement in 2025, but that Lawson will race in Ricciardo’s place from Austin onwards.
“It hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but unfortunately Singapore will be Daniel Ricciardo’s last race and from then on Liam Lawson will drive,” Schumacher said.
“Red Bull is a junior team and that’s what the management has always said and supported: ‘We are counting on young drivers’ and that’s why it makes sense.”
“Obviously it’s very disappointing for Daniel because when you see him in the paddock you lose a rider who is very nice and it’s a pleasure to meet him.”
Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 Career: A Look Back
As for Daniel Ricciardo, CNN published an interview with the 35-year-old driver this week in which he seemed resigned to the idea that his F1 career might be over.
“If it were to end today, I would be proud of what I did,” said the driver, who has won eight Grands Prix.
“But for the same reason I will never be completely satisfied, because I came into F1 with the goal of becoming F1 world champion and obviously until the day I retire I will never be completely satisfied. It’s something you strive for.”
Category: Formula 1 / Daniel Ricciardo / F1 Singapore GP