Liam Lawson has opened up on his relationship with Daniel Ricciardo, offering praise for the veteran’s support during a “challenging” chapter in his Formula 1 career.
Lawson stood in when Ricciardo broke his wrist at the Dutch Grand Prix, impressing in a five-race stint that saw him replace the Australian at Racing Bulls late in 2024.
The Kiwi conceded that it was an “uncomfortable” situation to be placed in, but one that was made easier due to how Ricciardo handled his second and final departure.
“For us it was obviously extremely uncomfortable,” Lawson recounted to media including Motorsport Week.
“I think the only thing I took away from it was how much of a good person Daniel is and how he was to me through the whole journey – from when I first came into this when he had his injury to going back to reserve.”
Despite the awkwardness that surrounded the switch at Red Bull’s sister squad, Lawson divulged that Ricciardo’s professionalism has left a lasting impression on him.
“We had a very good relationship,” he conveyed.
“We still do, honestly, and he’s somebody that I think my only takeaway from that weekend last year was just how much respect I have for him.”
The mutual respect between the two drivers has endured. Lawson disclosed that his predecessor reached out with a supportive message after his strong run in Baku.
“He sent me a nice message after Baku, and he’s obviously off on his own journey at the moment. He’s just somebody who’s been very supportive, obviously,” he added.
Lawson and Ricciardo’s unique connection
Outside racing, Lawson emphasised a connection between himself and Ricciardo as they come from similar backgrounds, growing up in the Southern hemisphere.
This created a bond between the duo as they both appreciated the unique sacrifices and challenges that they had to negotiate to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
“We’re from the same part of the world as well so it’s something that we probably both understand,” he highlighted.
“It’s quite difficult to get to this point and we’re both very lucky.”
Following his praise of Ricciardo, Lawson opened up on his own career prospects with his place at Racing Bulls not confirmed with six rounds remaining in 2025.
Lawson expressed that while moments like a career-best fifth-place finish in Baku are rewarding, F1 remains a highly demanding sport with evolving challenges.
“I think you enjoy the success, you enjoy the good moments, but it is crazy how quickly that mindset changes and flicks onto the next one,” he explained.
“Baku was a great result and I was super stoked for the team, and I was stoked with how the race was.
“It felt like a great performance for me, but very quickly, within a few hours, you’re already focused on the next one coming up.
“I think naturally in my position as well, when I’m trying to secure a seat next year, it’s probably more natural to be thinking ahead more and trying to keep these results coming.”
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