Liam Lawson reveals the classy response from Daniel Ricciardo after rookie’s Red Bull promotion

As his own Formula 1 career spiralled, Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo showed why he was the most popular man on the grid - and exactly the sport will miss in 2025 and beyond.

Liam Lawson has revealed the classy response from sacked Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo that proves why the popular Australian driver was such a beloved figure by fans and with other drivers on the grid.

The New Zealand rookie replaced Ricciardo at Racing Bulls midway through last year but the ultimate act of sportsmanship and friendship would later emerge when Lawson landed the Red Bull seat Ricciardo had coveted since the moment he was brought back into the Red Bull family.

While he took Ricciardo’s place on the grid for the tail-end of the season last year, Lawson said the popular Aussie was the only driver to congratulate him after he was promoted to Red Bull to drive alongside Max Verstappen this year.

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson said Daniel Ricciardo was the only driver to congratulate him after the rookie was promoted to a Red Bull seat. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

“I actually spoke to Daniel a lot when it was happening,” Lawson told GQ Magazine.

“I will always have so much respect for him.

“Throughout the whole ordeal, from when the rumours started to when they were confirmed, he never said a bad word about or towards me.

“He never made it about me and him, because at the end of the day, it wasn’t our decision, it’s up to the team, and what they decide to do. He was so good to me, through all of it.

Red Bull confirmed Lawson would partner four-time world champion Verstappen in 2025 in December and Ricciardo was the only driver to send his congratulations.

Liam Lawson, Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri chat at the 2024 Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“Fast forward to December, when I got the Red Bull seat, and Daniel is still the only driver, past or present, to send me a message about it, congratulating me,” Lawson said.

“It says a lot about him as a person.”

Lawson is one of six rookies who will take to the starting grid for this week’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.

While fan-favourite Ricciardo is no longer there, Australia will still have two drivers on the grid with Oscar Piastri chasing glory with McLaren and Jack Doohan also kick-starting his career with Alpine.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has said Lawson, who replaces Sergio Perez, is stepping into the “hardest seat in Formula 1” as Verstappen’s teammate.

Ricciardo has largely kept a low profile since his F1 exit, but last week launched a new wine venture with his Enchante brand.

ENDS

Originally published as Liam Lawson reveals the classy response from Daniel Ricciardo after rookie’s Red Bull promotion