David Coulthard has just three words for Daniel Ricciardo after his Red Bull departure

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The Formula 1 world has been left stunned by the news that Daniel Ricciardo will be leaving the sport.

In many ways it was coming, given the immense pressure placed on the Aussie and months of speculation that Liam Lawson was set to replace him at Visa Cash App RB.

After grabbing the fastest lap and the Driver of the Day award at the Singapore Grand Prix, it looked like that race would be Ricciardo’s last given his emotional interviews with the press afterward.

That has now been confirmed by RB, with Lawson stepping in to replace Ricciardo for the final six races of the 2024 season. Beginning with the United States Grand Prix, the Kiwi driver has a great opportunity to prove himself for a full-time seat in 2025.

RB’s title sponsors Visa and Cash App were determined to keep Ricciardo in the team, as well as Red Bull boss Christian Horner. But the Austrian side of the business has made the call to cut ties early and hand Lawson the seat.

David Coulthard congratulates Daniel Ricciardo on his Formula 1 career

Ricciardo has established himself as a hugely popular figure in the F1 paddock and unsurprisingly, several current and former drivers have flooded his social media with messages of support and celebration for his lengthy career.

READ MORE: The best moments of Daniel Ricciardo’s career in Formula 1

And this was echoed by former Red Bull driver and 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, who wrote on his Instagram story: “What a career,” followed by a clapping hands emoji.

Ricciardo’s F1 career began back in 2011 when he made his debut at Silverstone with backmarker HRT. The Aussie moved to Toro Rosso the following year and spent two years with the Red Bull junior team.

After fellow countryman Mark Webber retired from F1, Ricciardo made the step up to the main Red Bull squad in 2014, winning three races and finishing third in the championship ahead of his teammate; defending four-time champion Sebastian Vettel.

Going on to race for Renault, McLaren and later AlphaTauri – now RB – Ricciardo made 257 race starts and secured eight wins, three pole positions and 32 podiums.

Where next for Daniel Ricciardo?

Ricciardo’s departure from RB has left many wondering where the Aussie will end up next as he searches for his next adventure.

Ricciardo rejected a reserve driver role at Red Bull before it was known that Lawson would replace him, which most likely spells the end of his time in F1.

Red Bull have also reportedly offered Ricciardo an ambassador role within the team, which would not deny him joining another series if he so desired.

The 35-year-old has been linked with a potential move to IndyCar, but Ricciardo has said he is scared by the series, leaving his next career move as anyone’s guess.