Alex Albon has suggested that Franco Colapinto’s and Oliver Bearman’s impressive Formula 1 outings in 2024 had a role in Red Bull deciding to oust Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo will not return to complete the remaining six rounds this season as RB announced last month that Liam Lawson will take the place alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
Red Bull indicated that the decision to make a mid-season change revolved around the desire to assess whether Lawson could be a viable option for the parent team.
READ MORE: Christian Horner indicates Liam Lawson will have shot at Red Bull F1 promotion
Ricciardo was viewed as Red Bull’s insurance choice in case it elected to drop Sergio Perez, but the Australian was unable to impress enough to warrant a promotion.
However, Albon believes that the emergence of several rookie drivers excelling in F1 this term with limited preparation also contributed to Red Bull’s ruthless decision.
Colapinto has thrived in his three appearances since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams, while Bearman has bagged points with Ferrari and Haas on two showings.
“It’s obviously tough. I really like Daniel. He’s a super, super person, a great ambassador for the sport as well,” Albon told Motorsport.com’s Brazilian website.
“Obviously, the decision itself, can’t really speak about.
“I imagine in some ways, the fact that Ollie and Franco have done so well, it kind of motivates Red Bull to start rethinking about the youth. Liam did already a good job.
“But yeah, of course, I feel for Daniel. I think he’s a super driver as well, more than anything else, so I’m sure he’s going to find his feet and do something. I don’t know what it would be.”
Albon tips Ricciardo to head Stateside
Albon suspects that Ricciardo’s status as a cult hero in the United States since being a hit star on the Netflix Drive to Survive series could see him go across the pond.
“I could see him doing something like NASCAR,” Albon added.
“I just see him as someone who would… He enjoys his life, links with the US, so I could see something like that.”
Ricciardo uncertain on racing career
Ricciardo admitted that NASCAR was a series that he retains an interest in, but the ex-Red Bull racer was unsure whether he would be inspired to compete outside F1.
“I’m a fan of NASCAR and a lot of other forms of motorsport,” he told media including Motorsport Week in Singapore.
“Because I’ve been there and experienced the highest of highs, will I get true fulfilment doing something else?
“No guarantee I’ll be awesome doing something else. Is that actually going to scratch the itch and give me what I want? I don’t know.
“I’d probably say more no than yes. But these are things I’ll think about if I’m not in this position.”
READ MORE: Franco Colapinto on pace with Alex Albon in Williams F1 simulator
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