“Doesn’t Win You Grand Prix”: F1 Urged to Tread With Caution as Daniel Ricciardo’s Physical Prowess Bites Dust

We have seen many examples on the grid that defy the norm in Formula 1 in regard to age. It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you are good enough, you can race in F1. However, despite being competitive and fitting in a holistic way, there are still some instances where a driver has to know when it’s time to leave. In fact, this goes for the teams as well who have drivers on their roster who are, despite being in top shape and their capabilities, can’t win races anymore. This is the problem Red Bull has on their hands with Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson.

The young Kiwi shined in the absence of Ricciardo and announced himself to the world of F1. Despite that, he will not be a part of the circus in 2024. Don’t get us wrong, even Eddie Jordan, while speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, believes Ricciardo is in top shape and an asset to F1. However, on the other hand, he believes that gone are the days the Australian could win races and also believes drivers like Lawson should get their chance.

Jordan said, “Now, where Daniel has the problem, he is a people’s person. He’s got the best smile I’ve ever seen, he’s a lovely character, there’s not a nicer person in the world. He keeps himself in great great shape, a better six-pack I don’t think I’ve ever seen. I mean, when you see him going for a swim, it’s just ridiculous how fit.. he’s absolutely mustered.”

He then added his criticism. “But that doesn’t win your Grand Prix. AlphaTauri, next year, I think there seems to be a divergence. The Red Bull car and that car, they’re not the same anymore, probably less compatible items on each other’s cars. Therefore, it’s an uphill battle. I’d love to see Lawson in it, but at the same time, Formula 1 does not need to lose drivers and characters of the ilk of Daniel,” he added.

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Despite his shorter-than-expected break, Ricciardo was back on the track and felt at home after a few off-track practice sessions. However, what recent events have shown us is that Lawson deserves his chance and Eddie Jordan isn’t the only one of that opinion.

F1 veteran makes a shocking admission in the Daniel Ricciardo or Liam Lawson debate

Since replacing Ricciardo, Lawson has gotten four races, and he’s proved his worth in all four. Despite scoring points only in Singapore, the rookie has been brilliant in a sub-par AlphaTauri car.

In fact, his performances were enough to convince F1 veteran Peter Windsor of his racing prowess. In fact, the British journalist made a bold statement regarding him and Ricciardo.

Windsor said, “Right now, to me, Liam Lawson is doing at least as good a job as Daniel Ricciardo in that AlphaTauri. I’m not sure Daniel would’ve bumped Max into P11 at the end of Q2, whereas Liam did. In my opinion, right now, Liam Lawson is probably a quicker driver than Daniel Ricciardo.”

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We are not sure what the future holds for Lawson because it’s clearly not an AlphaTauri seat in 2024. However, his outing in the last four races has earned him enough “track credit” to last him till 2025.