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Former Haas team principal Günther Steiner understands the decision made by Red Bull to part ways with Daniel Ricciardo. According to the Italian, it makes more sense for Red Bull to assess Liam Lawson as a possible replacement for Sergio Pérez rather than keeping Ricciardo in the seat for longer. However, Steiner acknowledges that it’s never an easy task for a team to let a driver go.
Red Bull’s Strategic Move
After the Singapore Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing announced that Daniel Ricciardo would not be driving the VCARB01 in Austin. Liam Lawson, stepping in to take over for the Australian, previously showcased his racing skills while filling in for Ricciardo last year. Steiner admits he comprehends Red Bull’s motive behind the decision.
“Red Bull was aware that if they did not get Liam in a car next year, he could have explored other options,” Steiner noted in his column for Formula1.com. “They did not want to lose him, so by giving him an opportunity now, they can better gauge his potential for next season.”
The Inevitable Change
As a result, Ricciardo must step aside for the Kiwi driver. Steiner affirms that the departure of the Australian driver is justified, saying, “It simply wasn’t meant to be,” but he believes Formula 1 will feel Ricciardo’s absence. “Ricciardo will be missed, as many fans have come to know him, especially through Drive to Survive on Netflix. He has brought a wealth of new supporters to the sport,” Steiner elaborates. “He is a prominent personality and genuinely a nice guy. Everyone related to him well. However, this is Formula 1; performance is key for survival.”
Challenges Faced by Team Principals
Steiner has also had to navigate similar waters during his tenure at Haas. Notably, Mick Schumacher was replaced by Nico Hülkenberg in 2023. Given this background, Steiner fully appreciates Red Bull’s hesitation in making such a significant decision.
“Choosing to change a driver—whether in mid-season or for the next campaign—is exceptionally challenging,” Steiner explains. “From my experience at Haas, I’ve learned that the longer you wait, the harder it becomes. It’s never a pleasant experience to inform a driver that they aren’t continuing with the team.”
The Final Verdict on Ricciardo’s Legacy
While the relationship between a driver and a team is multi-faceted, the expectations in Formula 1 are undeniably high. For any driver, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming, and Steiner’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities within the sport.
With Daniel Ricciardo moving on, the door opens for fresh talent like Liam Lawson, but it also underscores the fragility of a driver’s career in Formula 1. The insights shared by Steiner not .comy highlight the strategic imperatives but also the emotional weight that accompanies these decisions.
The shifting landscape of Formula 1 continues to evolve, and as teams like Red Bull look ahead to the future, they must balance the pursuit of competitive excellence with the human aspect of racing—a delicate dance that defines the high stakes of this prestigious sport.
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