Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to long-time rival Daniel Ricciardo after the Australian’s dropping by RB appeared to finish his System 1 profession.
Purple Bull’s junior squad confirmed on Thursday that Ricciardo shall be changed by Liam Lawson for the remaining six rounds of the 2024 season and has been launched from the group.
The transfer seems to be the ultimate act of Ricciardo’s F1 profession as a driver, with the 35-year-old having claimed eight victories in 257 grand prix begins throughout 14 seasons.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “It has been a honour to compete with you through the years.
“I am going to always remember the battles, the laughs, and consuming out of your shoe. It was gross, however glad I acquired to do it with you bud.
“You allow a legacy of at all times being your self, which on this sport isn’t straightforward. You have taken all of it with the most important smile and I salute you for it.
“There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”
Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell additionally despatched Ricciardo a message on social media, which referenced the Australian’s enjoyment at switching the order of the Mercedes driver’s names round.
“F1 won’t be the same without you, mate,” Russell wrote. “All the best on the next adventure, Ricciardo Daniel.”
Horner: Ricciardo will go away an indelible legacy
Ricciardo additionally acquired a social media tribute from Purple Bull group principal and chief government Christian Horner, who would have had the ultimate say on letting the Australian go.
After three seasons with Purple Bull’s junior group, then named Toro Rosso, Ricciardo drove beneath Horner’s management for 5 seasons at Purple Bull.
“From the moment you arrived at Red Bull it was obvious you were so much more than just a driver,” Horner wrote.
“Your fixed enthusiasm, sense of humour and perspective will go away an indelible legacy on the group right here in Milton Keynes and F1 as a complete.
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Watch again all of Ricciardo’s iconic ‘shoey’ celebrations from a extremely entertaining F1 profession
“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, 1,329 factors. These statistics and accolades will not be the one measure of who you’re and what you may have achieved. Thanks, Daniel.”
Just six races remain in Formula 1 2024 and the season resumes with the United States Grand Prix in Austin from October 18-20, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
