In the high-stakes, cutthroat world of Formula 1, where rivalries often dominate the headlines, a moment of genuine sportsmanship has emerged to warm the hearts of fans. Liam Lawson, the newly minted Red Bull driver set to partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen in the 2025 season, has revealed a touching detail about Daniel Ricciardo, the man he replaced at Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) last year. Despite losing his seat to Lawson in 2024, Ricciardo proved himself a class act by being the only driver—past or present—to reach out and congratulate the young New Zealander on his promotion to Red Bull.
Speaking in a recent interview with GQ Magazine, Lawson shared insights into his relationship with Ricciardo, highlighting the Australian’s supportive nature during a tumultuous period. “I actually spoke to Daniel a lot when it was happening,” Lawson said, referring to the time when he stepped into Ricciardo’s VCARB seat after the Singapore Grand Prix in 2024. “Fast forward to December, when I got the Red Bull seat, and Daniel is still the only driver, past or present, to send me a message about it, congratulating me. It says a lot about him as a person.”
The gesture stands out in a sport where egos can clash and competition often overshadows camaraderie. Ricciardo, affectionately known as the “Honey Badger” for his fierce yet charismatic persona, exited Formula 1 without a seat for 2025 after a challenging season. His departure from VCARB paved the way for Lawson, who impressed in the final six races of 2024, earning a coveted spot alongside Verstappen. Yet, rather than harboring resentment, Ricciardo extended a hand of encouragement to his successor—a move Lawson clearly holds in high regard.
This isn’t the first time Ricciardo has shown his supportive side to Lawson. Back in 2023, when Lawson made his F1 debut with AlphaTauri (now VCARB) as a stand-in for an injured Ricciardo, the veteran driver offered guidance and encouragement. “Daniel being the amazing guy that he is, he was super supportive,” Lawson recalled in a past interview with Planet F1. “He told me to make the most of it and if I needed any help, then to ask him. He was very, very good about it.”
Lawson’s rise to Red Bull has been meteoric. After replacing Ricciardo mid-season in 2024, the 23-year-old delivered standout performances, including a ninth-place finish in Austin and a strong showing in the rain-soaked Sao Paulo Grand Prix. His results caught the eye of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who later promoted him to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season. Now tasked with the daunting challenge of racing alongside Verstappen, Lawson enters his first full-time F1 campaign with a mix of confidence and humility—qualities perhaps bolstered by Ricciardo’s kindness.
Fans on social media have lauded Ricciardo’s actions, with posts on X echoing Lawson’s sentiments. “In a cutthroat world like F1, Daniel Ricciardo stands out,” one user wrote. “True sportsmanship from the Honey Badger!” Another noted, “F1twt will tell me that Daniel Ricciardo is a mean person whose persona is for the cameras, but according to Liam Lawson, he’s still the only one who congratulated him on the Red Bull seat despite it being his and being taken away.”
As Lawson prepares for his Red Bull debut, Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. The 35-year-old has not ruled out a return, but for now, he leaves behind a legacy not just of speed and skill, but of character—a legacy that Lawson, and the F1 community, won’t soon forget.
For Lawson, Ricciardo’s gesture serves as a reminder of the human side of the sport. “It shows his character,” he said simply.