New Zealander Liam Lawson is about to step into Daniel Ricciardo’s sneakers at Purple Bull Racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the rest of the Formulation 1 season.
Click on right here to subscribe to our print version!
Earlier at present, Purple Bull Racing confirmed the departure of Daniel Ricciardo, expressing gratitude for his contributions throughout two separate stints with the staff.
Following Ricciardo’s departure, Purple Bull Racing introduced that Lawson, who has served as a reserve driver since 2022, will tackle the function beginning with the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Lawson made his Grand Prix debut final yr at Zandvoort as an alternative to the injured Ricciardo, impressing with a sequence of stable performances over 5 races, culminating in his first factors end with a ninth-place on the Singapore Grand Prix.
The choice to interchange Ricciardo with Lawson for the season’s ultimate six races follows deliberations on the senior management degree inside Purple Bull Racing. This transfer permits the staff to guage Lawson alongside his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who’s having fun with a standout season and has already secured a contract for subsequent yr.
Laurent Mekies, staff principal of Purple Bull Racing, expressed gratitude to Ricciardo for his dedication and professionalism throughout his tenure with the staff, highlighting his constructive impression each on and off the observe.
“We’re grateful for Daniel’s contributions over the previous two seasons,” Mekies mentioned. “His expertise and expertise have vastly benefited the staff, and his constructive angle has fostered a robust staff spirit. Daniel has been a real gentleman, at all times smiling, and he will probably be missed whereas holding a particular place throughout the Purple Bull household.”
Mekies additionally warmly welcomed Lawson, emphasizing the younger driver’s familiarity with the staff and his means to deal with stress underneath difficult circumstances.
“We’re excited to welcome Liam,” Mekies continued. “He has already demonstrated his capabilities with us final season, and we consider he’ll seamlessly transition into his new function. It’s improbable to see younger expertise from throughout the Purple Bull program stepping up, and we stay up for working collectively for the rest of the season.”
In response to his promotion, Liam Lawson expressed gratitude and pleasure about fulfilling his childhood dream of changing into a Formulation 1 driver.
“I’ve dreamed of being a Formulation 1 driver since I used to be a child, and I’m thrilled to see that dream come true,” Lawson commented. “I need to thank Purple Bull Racing and all the staff for this chance. I’m extraordinarily grateful and desperate to get to work.”
The stage is now set for Lawson to make his mark alongside Tsunoda as Purple Bull Racing goals to complete the season on a excessive notice with their new driver lineup.
In the meantime, Daniel Ricciardo mirrored on his departure, thanking the staff and followers for his or her assist all through his profession:
“I’ve cherished this sport my complete life. It’s wild, it’s fantastic, and it’s been a journey. To the groups and people who’ve performed their half, thanks. And to the followers who love the game as a lot as I do – if no more – thanks. There have been highs and lows, however I wouldn’t change a factor. Till the following journey.”
With Liam Lawson now formally entering into the motive force’s seat, all eyes will probably be on the younger New Zealander as he takes on the problem of racing towards F1’s elite. For Ricciardo, the following chapter stays unclear, however his legacy inside Purple Bull and the broader world of Formulation 1 is assured.
