RICCIARDO FACING END OF F1 CAREER AS RB REPLACE HIM WITH LAWSON

RB has confirmed Daniel Ricciardo is out, replaced by Liam Lawson for the final six rounds of the season, beginning at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. This move, widely anticipated after a visibly emotional Ricciardo admitted his F1 career "could be it" in Singapore, marks a likely end to the veteran's time in the sport.

Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, returned to RB (then AlphaTauri) just 14 months ago but has been consistently out-qualified and out-scored by teammate Yuki Tsunoda this season, including a 6-12 qualifying head-to-head deficit. Lawson, 22, steps into the seat for his second stint with the team, having successfully deputized for an injured Ricciardo in 2023, even scoring a P9 finish in Singapore. Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Ricciardo's contribution but looks to Lawson for a "natural transition." For American fans attending Austin, it's a chance to see a young talent get a full-time shot, while one of F1's most popular drivers steps away.