Following the announcement of Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement by Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls for the remainder of the season, several drivers have paid tribute to the Australian racer. Daniel Ricciardo, known for his infectious smile and iconic podium celebrations involving champagne poured into his shoe, will be greatly missed in the paddock. Shortly after the announcement of his replacement by Liam Lawson in the Racing Bulls’ cockpit, several drivers expressed their admiration and respect for him.
Ricciardo’s Bittersweet Farewell
On his Instagram account, Lewis Hamilton, who has never been Ricciardo’s teammate, shared a heartfelt message for the Australian: “It has been an honor to race with you over the years. I will never forget our on-track battles, the laughter, and drinking from your shoe. It was disgusting, but I’m glad I got to do it with you. You’ve managed to always stay true to yourself, which is not easy in this sport. You’ve always taken it with a smile, and I salute you for that. There’s still a lot to come for you and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I’ll always be there for you.”
Another French driver in the paddock, Pierre Gasly, also expressed his feelings, speaking to Canal+ during the ARES Fighting Championship, Thursday evening at the Adidas Arena in Paris: “Daniel is a great figure in F1, he has a very impressive track record. The last few years have been a bit more challenging for him. But he remains a very important character in F1. I was able to see him in his early years and compete against him. He’s a wonderful person. He is liked by everyone in the paddock. He has contributed a lot with his personality. He’s a very good, aggressive driver. He will be missed by everyone in the paddock.”
