Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has issued an emotional statement acknowledging the departure of Daniel Ricciardo from VCARB.

The decision to replace the Australian driver for the remainder of the season has nominated Liam Lawson as his successor for the final six races, raising speculation about Lawson’s potential full-time seat next year.

Christian Horner’s message was poignantly shared on Instagram:

“From the moment you arrived at Red Bull it was clear that you were so much more than just a driver.

“Your constant enthusiasm, sense of humor and attitude will leave an indelible legacy on the team here in Milton Keynes and in Formula 1 as a whole.

“Thank you for the wins, smiles, songs (and I wish I could say the Shoeys), you will always be a special part of the Red Bull family.

“8 wins, 32 podiums, 1329 points. These statistics and awards are not the only measure of who you are and what you have accomplished. “Thank you, Daniel.”

Ricciardo’s departure is attributed to his inconsistent performance compared to his teammate Yuki Tsunoda. He originally returned to Red Bull’s sister team in the hope of getting back into the main squad, but his journey took a different turn when Sergio Perez secured an extension with Red Bull until 2026.

While reflecting on his career and considering his next steps, Ricciardo shared his feelings on social media, posting a thoughtful photo of himself walking away. In his post he wrote:

“I have loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and it’s been a journey,” Ricciardo wrote on his own Instagram account.

“Many thanks to the teams and individuals who played their part. To the fans who sometimes love the sport more than me, haha, thank you. It will always have its ups and downs but it was fun and to be honest I wouldn’t change it.

“Until the next adventure.”

Ricciardo has the option to remain in the Red Bull organization in another capacity, but his future role or direction has yet to be determined.

As the season progresses, attention will undoubtedly turn to Liam Lawson and his performance as he takes Ricciardo’s place. These final races will be crucial in determining whether he is suitable for a full-time role alongside Tsunoda next season. Likewise, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see where Daniel Ricciardo, a popular and respected figure in the F1 paddock, ventures next in his career.