The Formula 1 world was left reeling today as Daniel Ricciardo, the veteran Australian driver, dropped a bombshell proposal to address Red Bull’s ongoing dilemma with rising star Liam Lawson. With the 2025 season already delivering high drama, Ricciardo’s unexpected move has ignited fierce debate across the paddock and beyond, just days after McLaren’s dominant 1-2 finish at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Ricciardo, currently driving for Red Bull’s sister team VCARB (Visa Cash App RB), has faced mounting pressure this season. After a lackluster start, rumors have swirled that Red Bull is considering replacing him with 22-year-old Liam Lawson, the team’s highly touted reserve driver who impressed during a five-race stint in 2023. Lawson’s contract reportedly includes a clause demanding a full-time seat by 2026—or he’s free to leave—putting Red Bull in a bind as they juggle their driver lineup alongside Max Verstappen’s championship campaign.
In a stunning twist, Ricciardo broke his silence in a post-race interview in Shanghai, offering a radical solution: he’s willing to step aside mid-season and transition into a mentorship role for Lawson, provided Red Bull guarantees him a future ambassadorial position with the team. “I’ve had an incredible run, but I’m not blind—I see Liam’s talent,” Ricciardo said, flashing his trademark grin. “If Red Bull wants to fast-track him, I’ll help make it happen. I’d rather shape the future than cling to the past. But I’m not walking away empty-handed—I want to stay part of this family.”
The offer comes at a critical juncture. Ricciardo’s 2025 performances have been underwhelming, with no finishes higher than P12 in the opening races, while Lawson has been chomping at the bit, testing extensively with Red Bull’s 2023 car and earning praise from team principal Christian Horner. Posts on X have reflected the growing sentiment among fans, with some calling Ricciardo’s form “a shadow of his former self” and others hailing Lawson as “the future of Red Bull.” Yet, Ricciardo’s proposal has divided opinion—some see it as a selfless act from a fan favorite, while others label it a desperate bid to secure his legacy.
Red Bull’s response has been cautious but intrigued. Horner, speaking to Sky Sports F1, acknowledged Ricciardo’s suggestion. “Daniel’s a class act, and this shows his character,” Horner said. “We’re evaluating all options. Liam’s ready, no question, but we don’t rush these decisions. We’ll sit down after Japan and see what’s best for the team.” Sources within Red Bull suggest that Ricciardo’s idea could solve multiple problems: it keeps Lawson in the fold, avoids a messy mid-season sacking, and retains Ricciardo’s popularity and experience for marketing purposes.
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have surged ahead in the constructors’ standings after Shanghai, while Ferrari’s double disqualification handed Red Bull a chance to close the gap—only for Ricciardo’s VCARB car to finish outside the points again. With Verstappen still leading the drivers’ championship, Red Bull needs a second driver who can consistently deliver, and Lawson’s aggressive style might just fit the bill.
Ricciardo’s teammates and rivals have weighed in, too. Verstappen, ever blunt, said, “Daniel’s a good guy, but results matter. If he’s offering, maybe it’s time.” Meanwhile, Piastri, fresh off his Chinese GP win, quipped, “I’d love to see Liam out there—he’d spice things up.” The paddock buzz suggests that if Ricciardo’s plan goes through, Lawson could be in the VCARB seat as early as the Miami Grand Prix in May.
For now, all eyes are on Red Bull’s next move. Will they accept Ricciardo’s olive branch and usher in a new era with Lawson? Or will the Honey Badger fight to keep his seat? One thing is certain: this shocking offer has turned an already unpredictable 2025 season into a full-blown soap opera. Stay tuned.
