According to commentator and former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle, Daniel Ricciardo will not be behind the wheel for the United States Grand Prix. After the Singapore GP, the 35-year-old Australian is expected to be replaced by Liam Lawson. However, Ricciardo will continue to be part of the Red Bull group, as the team promotes the young New Zealander as the new face of Visa RB.
“From what I understand, Daniel (Ricciardo) will not be in the car in Austin,” says Martin Brundle. “He must stay within the Red Bull pool, but the team now just wants to see how Liam Lawson performs.” The 22-year-old reserve driver has already replaced Ricciardo for five weekends in 2023, but has never before had a permanent seat in the premier class.
A Stronger Season Was Needed
“If Daniel Ricciardo had had a stronger season, it would have made a big difference,” explained Martin Brundle. “Not only in the secondary team Visa RB, but also at Red Bull.” Especially at the beginning of the year, the eight-time race winner left much to be desired. Teammate Yuki Tsunoda often outperformed him. Ricciardo himself believes that he has been on an upward spiral since the GP of Canada, but the difference with his Japanese colleague is still ten points.
Future Prospects
“It didn’t go as he wanted, so I assume he won’t be in the car in Austin,” concluded Brundle. With Liam Lawson, Red Bull secures a future driver. The young New Zealander has been waiting for a contract since his debut in 2023 and is said to have lobbied outside the door.
