Goodbye, Ricciardo? Helmut Marko reveals they are looking for a young F1 driver for RB: ‘It would be Liam Lawson’
Red Bull Racing is considering replacing Daniel Ricciardo with young reserve driver Liam Lawson for the 2025 season amid Ricciardo's underwhelming performance compared to teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Red Bull Racing is currently facing decisions regarding its driver lineup for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season, especially concerning Daniel Ricciardo's future with the team. Despite Yuki Tsunoda renewing his contract, Ricciardo's position remains uncertain, primarily due to his performance not meeting expectations. Helmut Marko, the team's advisor, indicated that the organization is leaning towards incorporating younger talent into its roster, emphasizing the 'junior team' aspect of Red Bull's strategy.
Liam Lawson, a young driver from New Zealand who serves as a reserve driver for Red Bull, is being considered as a potential replacement for Ricciardo. Marko mentioned in an interview that the shareholders are clear about wanting to prioritize young drivers in the team, and Lawson has emerged as a frontrunner for the spot. The shifting dynamics within the team, particularly after Sergio 'Checo' Pérez’s contract renewal, further complicate Ricciardo's chances of retaining his seat, as the team seeks to enhance its performance.
This potential move to promote Lawson reflects a broader trend in Formula 1 where teams are increasingly investing in young talent to secure long-term success. If Lawson is indeed chosen over Ricciardo, it could mark a significant shift in Red Bull’s approach and strategy, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and developing new drivers in a highly competitive sport. Such a transition also carries implications for Ricciardo’s future career as he navigates these changes within the high-stakes environment of Formula 1 racing.