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 System 1 season.
Click on right here to subscribe to our print version!
Earlier right now, Purple Bull Racing confirmed the departure of Daniel Ricciardo, expressing gratitude for his contributions throughout two separate stints with the crew.
Following Ricciardo’s departure, Purple Bull Racing introduced that Lawson, who has served as a reserve driver since 2022, will tackle the position beginning with the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Lawson made his Grand Prix debut final yr at Zandvoort as an alternative choice 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 exchange Ricciardo with Lawson for the season’s remaining six races follows deliberations on the senior management stage inside Purple Bull Racing. This transfer permits the crew to judge 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, crew principal of Purple Bull Racing, expressed gratitude to Ricciardo for his dedication and professionalism throughout his tenure with the crew, highlighting his constructive influence each on and off the observe.
“We’re grateful for Daniel’s contributions over the previous two seasons,” Mekies stated. “His expertise and expertise have vastly benefited the crew, and his constructive perspective has fostered a powerful crew spirit. Daniel has been a real gentleman, at all times smiling, and he will probably be missed whereas holding a particular place inside the Purple Bull household.”
Mekies additionally warmly welcomed Lawson, emphasizing the younger driver’s familiarity with the crew and his capability to deal with strain beneath 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 position. It’s improbable to see younger expertise from inside the Purple Bull program stepping up, and we look ahead to 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 turning into a System 1 driver.
“I’ve dreamed of being a System 1 driver since I used to be a child, and I’m thrilled to see that dream come true,” Lawson commented. “I wish to thank Purple Bull Racing and the complete crew 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 word with their new driver lineup.
In the meantime, Daniel Ricciardo mirrored on his departure, thanking the crew 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 moving into the motive force’s seat, all eyes will probably be on the younger New Zealander as he takes on the problem of racing in opposition to F1’s elite. For Ricciardo, the following chapter stays unclear, however his legacy inside Purple Bull and the broader world of System 1 is assured.
