DANIEL RICCIARDO has been brutally SACKED by Formula One team Visa Cash App RB with immediate effect.
The F1 fan favourite broke down in tears following the Singapore Grand Prix with news of his imminent axing gaining speed.
And now Ricciardo’s exit from the motorsport for a second time has been confirmed.
The team released a statement wishing the Australian farewell.
RB’s team principal Laurent Mekies, said: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us.
“Daniel has been a true gentlemen both on and off the track and never without that smile.
“He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.”
Ricciardo, 35, returned to F1 with AlphaTauri, now RB, in Hungary last year, scoring points on five occasions.
Earlier this season there was talk of Ricciard replacing Sergio Perez as the second driver at Red Bull’s main team to partner Max Verstappen.
Though after that fell through, Ricciardo’s form has not been good enough to persuade Red Bull bosses to keep him in the seat for the rest of the season.
He finished dead last of the runners who did not retire in his final race in Singapore on Sunday.
However, he did snatch the fastest lap of the race away from McLaren’s Lando Norris to prevent him from gaining an extra point – sparking a cheating row from McLaren chief Zak Brown.
RB have wasted no time in announcing Ricciardo’s replacement on the F1 grid.
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson, who made his debut with the team last season in replacing an injured Ricciardo, will take the seat for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Mekies said: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam. He already knows the Team well.
“He drove for us last season, and coped well under difficult circumstances, so it’ll be a natural transition.
“It’s great to see young talent from within the Red Bull family make the next step.
“We’re looking forward to getting our heads down and focusing on the rest of the season together.”
More to follow.
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