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Former F1 driver and pundit Ralf Schumacher has opined that RB are set to replace Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson at the end of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix. The Aussie driver has been racing for the VCARB F1 team since the 2023 Hungarian GP last year but missed four races after he injured his hand during practice at that year's Dutch GP.
Ricciardo's injury gave Lawson an opportunity, and he impressed the Austrian team with his performances, including a P9 finish in Singapore last year. However, he went back to his role of reserve driver after the Aussie's return.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Schumacher spoke about Liam Lawson replacing Daniel Ricciardo in RB, claiming that the Singapore GP on September 22 would be the latter's last race for the team. He said:
"It seems to be the last race for Daniel Ricciardo in Singapore. Liam Lawson will drive from then on."
Schumacher further spoke about Red Bull's decision to promote the 22-year-old in favor of the eight-time race winner:
"Yes, Red Bull Racing is a junior team, that is also what the company management has always said and has supported: 'We will rely on our young drivers', and that is why it makes sense. It's a shame for Daniel because we'll be missing a driver who is super nice, always has a smile, and who you like to meet in the paddock."
Although neither Daniel Ricciardo nor the Austrian team have confirmed the same with the former focusing on driving at the track this weekend.
Daniel Ricciardo previews the Singapore GP this weekend
RB driver Daniel Ricciardo stated that he had always enjoyed racing at the Marina Bay Circuit and claimed that the track was "one of his favorites".
As per PitPass, he said:
"I really enjoy the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It's one of my favorite tracks. I didn't race here last year, so I'm looking forward to being back. It's super hot and humid, which is an additional challenge.
"Hopefully, we can perform better than what we showed in Baku. We're working hard as a team to understand this and improve. I'm excited to get back on this track and try to score some points."
Ricciardo's best finish at the Singapore GP is his series of consecutive runner-up performances in 2016 and 2017.
This weekend's race will be the final opportunity for the Aussie to convince the Red Bull hierarchy of a potential shot at the senior team, replacing Sergio Perez next year. Ricciardo currently sits at P14 in the Driver's Championship, with 12 points to his name, tied with Williams F1 driver Alex Albon, whose seventh place finish in Baku propelled him to P13.
