The Instagram comments that show the problem Liam Lawson faces after replacing Daniel Ricciardo

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Liam Lawson has cause to celebrate after Red Bull offered him the chance to return to the Formula 1 grid at RB. But inevitably, it’s been rather overshadowed by Daniel Ricciardo’s exit.

Lawson competed in five Grands Prix last year when Ricciardo broke his hand in the Netherlands. He’ll now feature in at least six more, starting with the US GP in Austin next month.

The 22-year-old has a lengthy break in which to prepare, and then two triple-headers to make his case for 2025. If he exceeds expectations, he could potentially replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull next year.

It is, then, a potentially huge moment in the F1 driver market. But Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have come under fire for their treatment of Lawson’s predecessor.

The overriding feeling is that Red Bull didn’t show Ricciardo sufficient respect after a 257-race career featuring eight wins and 32 podiums. They didn’t even inform him that the Singapore GP would be his final race, creating a rather messy situation.

Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok is worried about Lawson as a result. He feels he’s rejoining the junior team in immensely difficult circumstances.

F1 fan comments will shape RB atmosphere for Liam Lawson after Daniel Ricciardo exit

As the news was announced on Thursday evening, Lawson shared a grateful message on Instagram. He hinted that he’s here to stay this time after his brief cameo last year.

“I’ve dreamed of being a Formula One driver since I was a kid, and I’m very happy to say that dream is finally coming true,” he wrote. “I want to thank VCARB and Red Bull for this opportunity, I’m extremely grateful and excited to get to work.”

However, the comment section may have undercut his joy. @mkd101 hopes that Red Bull treat Lawson ‘better than Danny’ and advises him ‘to move from that seat’ as soon as possible.

@cz.noemiii urged him to ‘have fun in the remaining races’ but admitted that the departure of Ricciardo ‘breaks their heart’. @Montymahek feels the situation is ‘sad for both sides’.

@anderson_james_074 insisted they felt ‘no hate’ for Lawson but maintained that Ricciardo ‘deserved better’. Similarly, @maisie_burbridge1 said they were ‘mad at RB’ and @karannbaweja lamented the ‘awkward’ nature of his unveiling.

Why Liam Lawson has a penalty for the United States Grand Prix

When Lawson arrives in Texas, he’s bound to be asked for his opinion on Ricciardo’s dismissal. Likewise, his managers seem certain to spend more time talking about their former driver than their new hire.

Ricciardo was particularly popular in the United States, which could lead to a somewhat hostile reception for Red Bull and RB. It will be tough for Lawson to maintain focus and escape the shadow of the driver who came before.

And what’s more, the US GP is a Sprint weekend, so he’ll only have one hour of practice in the VCARB 01 before his first qualifying session. It also emerged on Friday that he faces a 10-place penalty at the Circuit of the Americas for an engine change – he inherits Ricciardo’s allocations in that regard.

Lawson has found 2024 ‘very strange’, having been accustomed to racing every year. His chances of points straight away are slim, but it would be all the more impressive if he pulled off a comeback drive.