Eddie Jordan issues verdict on whether Red Bull were ‘right’ to sack Daniel Ricciardo

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Red Bull’s decision to sack Daniel Ricciardo after the Singapore Grand Prix came as a shock to many in the world of Formula 1.

The Aussie began his career with backmarkers HRT midway through 2011 before moving on to the Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso the following year. Going on to race for the main Red Bull team, Renault and McLaren, Ricciardo grabbed eight victories, three pole positions and 32 podiums across an illustrious F1 career.

However, the 35-year-old fell on hard times over the last few years. His disappointing spell at McLaren and his struggles on his return to AlphaTauri – now RB – have left David Coulthard thinking that Ricciardo’s career ‘whimpered out’.

After being largely outperformed by his RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda in 2024, the team made the call to axe the Aussie in Singapore. Damon Hill criticised Red Bull’s handling of Ricciardo’s exit, along with many fans who believe he deserved to finish the season.

Liam Lawson will be taking Ricciardo’s place from the United States Grand Prix onwards as he hopes to land a full-time seat with the team after being overlooked for a spot on the grid this year.

Red Bull bringing in Liam Lawson was the ‘right decision’

Red Bull view the Kiwi driver highly and see him as a prospect for the future, but there will be pressure to perform as Red Bull want Lawson to match Tsunoda in the final six races of the season.

Lawson previously impressed in his appearances with AlphaTauri in 2023 when he replaced Ricciardo for five races after his injury at Zandvoort. The 22-year-old would go on to score his first points in F1 in Singapore with ninth, before being demoted back to his reserve driver role.

While many have questioned the decision to drop Ricciardo so soon, speaking on the Formula For Success Podcast, Eddie Jordan believes Red Bull were ‘right’ to bring in Lawson for the remainder of the year.

“Daniel has had his chance. One of the nicest people you will ever come across in Formula 1. That smile is infectious, that ambiance, the whole makeup of Daniel Ricciardo is a wonderful, beautiful story,” he said.

“But nevertheless, you have to perform. There are so many unbelievably quick drivers coming through and that’s something that I love. And that’s what I’ve been encouraging for years and years; give the young kids a chance.

“So let’s see what happens, Liam Lawson is the right decision.”

Can Liam Lawson land a 2025 seat?

While Red Bull clearly rate Lawson highly, they have not given anything away that suggests he will definitely be on the grid for 2025, and if he will, if it will be with the junior team.

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Sergio Perez is under pressure to keep his seat for 2025 alongside Max Verstappen. The Mexican has had a dismal year as he sits eighth in the standings, having not finished on the podium since China or in the top five since Miami.

One good result for Lawson could spell ‘very bad news’ for Perez as the Kiwi driver is an option to be promoted straight into the main Red Bull team come 2025. However, there is a chance he could underperform and find Red Bull in an awkward position as to what to do with their drivers for next year.

Lawson has proven his ability with his performances last year and will look to take advantage of this opportunity and prove to Red Bull that he is worthy of a full-time seat. Where that seat will be in 2025 is anyone’s guess.