Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula One career officially concluded following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, where he was dropped from the Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) team. The announcement confirms that the 35-year-old Australian driver will not participate in the upcoming United States Grand Prix, with New Zealander Liam Lawson set to take his place.
In a statement, VCARB Team Principal Laurent Mekies expressed gratitude for Ricciardo’s contributions over the last two seasons, stating, “Daniel has been a true gentleman both on and off the track and never without that smile. He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.”
Ricciardo finished the Singapore race in 18th place, the last position on the grid, uncertain if he would race in Formula One again. Despite not receiving a clear message from his team, he treated the event as his final Grand Prix. When asked about his future with the team before the race, he remarked, “I wouldn’t bet my house on it.”
Rumors surrounding Ricciardo’s departure followed comments from Helmut Marko, a director and advisor for both Red Bull Racing and VCARB. He indicated that the decision regarding Ricciardo’s future would be communicated after the Singapore race.
With all three other drivers at the two Red Bull teams already secured for the next season—Max Verstappen locked in until 2028, and Sergio Perez and Yuki Tsunoda having renewed contracts—Ricciardo was the only one not confirmed for a 2025 seat.
Interestingly, Ricciardo’s low finishing position in Singapore indirectly assisted championship leader Verstappen in his pursuit of a fourth consecutive world title. On Lap 58 of the 62-lap race, Ricciardo pitted for new tires and set the fastest lap, achieving a new record in his final outing. This performance denied his former McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, an additional championship point.
Verstappen acknowledged Ricciardo’s contribution over the team radio, saying, “Thanks, Daniel,” after the fastest lap was recorded.
Despite his disappointing finish, Ricciardo received the fan-voted ‘Driver of the Day’ award, marking a heartfelt farewell from fans. Upon returning to the pits, his team honored him with a symbolic ‘guard of honour.’ Ricciardo expressed his appreciation for the accolade, stating, “Typically, the ‘Driver of the Day’ thing is maybe not something us drivers look too much into, but today I can say it’s something I’m appreciative of.”
Reflecting on the weekend, Ricciardo added, “I would have loved a better weekend—who knows if that would have changed anything or if the decision’s been made already, even prior to the weekend?”
Lawson has been confirmed as Ricciardo’s successor at VCARB, having previously filled in for Ricciardo at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix after the Australian suffered a broken hand in practice. Lawson participated in five races, achieving a best finish of ninth at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Ricciardo, who made his F1 debut in 2011, leaves the sport with eight Grand Prix victories, including a standout performance at the 2014 Canadian Grand Prix. He reached a career-high third place in the drivers’ world championship in both 2014 and 2016. After joining VCARB in hopes of reclaiming a competitive position with Red Bull Racing, Ricciardo’s aspirations fell short.
“I wanted to try and fight back at the front and get back with Red Bull. Obviously, it didn’t come to fruition,” he reflected. “Sometimes you’ve got to see the big picture, and I always said, ‘I don’t just want to be a guy that’s here on the grid and fighting for a point every now and then.'”
While acknowledging that his fairytale ending did not materialize, Ricciardo expressed pride in his 13-year journey in Formula One, stating, “I put my best foot forward. Let’s say maybe the fairytale ending didn’t happen, but I also have to look back on what’s been 13 or so years, and I’m proud.”
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