Daniel Ricciardo offers Red Bull solution to Liam Lawson iss…read more
Daniel Ricciardo has proposed a potential solution to Red Bull’s ongoing driver dilemma, specifically regarding their second driver role, currently occupied by Liam Lawson. While there has been speculation about various driver swaps, Ricciardo’s return could address multiple concerns for Red Bull.
In recent seasons, drivers who have left Formula 1 have seen their reputations grow, even though they have not raced. This is not the case for Liam Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo towards the end of 2024 at Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls. Lawson, who was expected to challenge for a seat at Red Bull in 2025, has instead struggled significantly. Despite a promising start, Lawson’s performance has been far worse than anticipated, even when compared to Sergio Perez’s disappointing form during most of 2024.
Red Bull’s initial hopes for Lawson were that he would outperform Perez, who, despite having some good results in 2024, was often criticized for being far off Verstappen’s pace. However, Lawson’s experience with the RB21 car has been disastrous. While Perez occasionally managed to collect some minor points, Lawson has failed to even get close to the top 10 in the standings. Currently, Lawson sits at the bottom of the drivers’ championship, with zero points, only ahead of rookies Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto, who are driving inferior cars.
This poor showing has made Lawson’s position at Red Bull increasingly precarious. Meanwhile, Verstappen, who leads the championship with 36 points, has indirectly pointed out that Lawson might perform better if he were still racing for Racing Bulls instead of Red Bull. Verstappen’s comments imply that the car’s setup is better suited to him, and Lawson’s difficulties have only magnified the challenges of being Red Bull’s second driver. As a result, rumors of a potential swap with Yuki Tsunoda, a driver with more experience, have gained traction, especially as Tsunoda’s home race in Japan approaches.
Red Bull might soon face a dilemma: continue with Lawson, who seems to be struggling, or look for a more experienced and reliable option. This is where Daniel Ricciardo, a former Red Bull driver, could step in. Ricciardo left Red Bull in 2018, but his departure hasn’t been without regret. Since then, drivers such as Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez have failed to provide the kind of consistent support Red Bull needed to challenge Mercedes and Ferrari for titles. Ricciardo, however, was seen as a worthy competitor alongside Max Verstappen during his time at the team. His performances were often solid, and he brought a balance to the team dynamic.
Now at 35 years old, Ricciardo may not be in his peak form, especially after difficult stints at McLaren and a lackluster season at AlphaTauri. However, his knowledge of the team, the car, and Verstappen’s driving style makes him an attractive proposition for Red Bull. Ricciardo’s return could help Red Bull avoid the growing uncertainty surrounding Lawson’s future, especially considering the Australian’s ability to adapt to the RB21’s quirks. Unlike Perez, Ricciardo has always had a solid relationship with Verstappen, which would make for a more harmonious team environment.
From a public relations perspective, Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull would be a smart move. After his sudden and disappointing departure from F1 following a painful season in Singapore, welcoming him back would go a long way in repairing Red Bull’s image, particularly as they face increasing pressure regarding their second driver position. Ricciardo is a fan favorite and his return would restore some much-needed positivity to the team. Additionally, Ricciardo could leave Formula 1 on a more dignified note, unlike the abrupt exit he experienced at the end of last season.
Of course, Ricciardo may not want to return to F1, given the manner in which he was dropped. However, from Red Bull’s perspective, pursuing Ricciardo would be a sensible move. With little to lose in terms of performance, especially given Lawson’s current lack of points, Red Bull should seriously consider the Australian driver. Even if he isn’t at his prime, Ricciardo’s experience and familiarity with the team could make him a perfect fit for the role of Verstappen’s teammate, helping to resolve Red Bull’s persistent second driver crisis.
If Red Bull chooses to go down this path, team principals Christian Horner and Helmut Marko may have to swallow their pride and reach out to Ricciardo, perhaps with a lunch or a “shoey” to convince him to come back. In any case, Red Bull would be wise not to overlook Ricciardo as a potential solution to their current struggles.
