New Zealand driver Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo at RB F1 Team alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the remainder of the Formula 1 season.
Earlier on Thursday (Friday NZ Time), Red Bull Racing and RB confirmed Ricciardo would be leaving the team and expressed their gratitude for his efforts across two stints with the organisation.
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RB then announced Lawson would step up from his reserve role, which he has held since 2022, starting with the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on Sunday, October 20 (Monday, October 21 NZT).
"I'm very excited to say that I'll be driving in the car from Austin. It's a massive opportunity, a dream come true for me and I want to say thank you to the team for this opportunity," Lawson said in an Instagram post.
"It's a lot of work but I'm looking forward go getting into it."
Lawson made his Grand Prix debut at Zandvoort last year as a super sub for the injured Ricciardo. The 22-year-old delivered an impressive set of results across a five-race period, including his first points with ninth at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Following discussions at the Red Bull senior leadership level, the energy drinks firm decided to let Ricciardo go and draft Lawson in for the final six races of the season.
This will allow them to evaluate him against teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who is enjoying his best campaign in F1 and already has a contract for next season.
“Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us,” said boss Laurent Mekies.
“He has brought a lot of experience and talent to the team with a fantastic attitude, which has helped everyone to develop and foster a tight team spirit.
“Daniel has been a true gentleman 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.
“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.”