Daniel Ricciardo F1 News: Special tribute to axed star unveiled at US GP

Daniel Ricciardo

Special Ricciardo tribute unveiled at US GP

Daniel Ricciardo was axed from RB

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 20 October 2024 14:54 Updated: 16:40

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A special tribute to axed F1 star Daniel Ricciardo has been unveiled at the United States Grand Prix.

The Aussie made his name at Red Bull where he instantly impressed when he beat four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel during his debut season with the outfit.

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Since then, Ricciardo has achieved eight F1 victories, including an iconic win around the streets of Monaco in 2018.

Not only did his late-breaking style help him gain popularity, but also his sense of humour and jovial antics in the paddock ensured he became a fan favourite.

Daniel Ricciardo's last race win was in Monza

Why was Daniel Ricciardo axed from F1?

However, Ricciardo announced his shock move to Renault for the 2019 season, and eventually found himself at McLaren in 2021.

It was at the Woking-based outfit that his decline in performance was initially noted, as he failed to match up to younger team-mate Lando Norris.

The 35-year-old was axed from the team in favour of compatriot Oscar Piastri, and found himself without a drive for 2023.

However, his old team took mercy on him and offered Ricciardo a lifeline when he was slotted in to replace Nyck De Vries at Alpha Tauri, now VCARB.

Ricciardo was initially touted as a replacement for a struggling Sergio Perez at Red Bull if he managed to demonstrate dominance over Yuki Tsunoda at RB in 2024, however the Japanese star had other intentions.

Daniel Ricciardo could not match Yuki Tsunoda in 2024

Tsunoda consistently outperformed his team-mate throughout the season, putting pressure on Ricciardo, and speculation soon mounted over his F1 future.

RB announced after the Singapore GP that they would be replacing Ricciardo with Liam Lawson, who would race for the team from Austin onwards.

However, Ricciardo’s presence was missed by fans at the US GP, with a special tribute unveiled for the star in the form of a book.

Fans have expressed their notes of thanks to their favourite driver in this book, that sat on a table alongside a framed picture of Ricciardo in cowboy get-up.

I ❤️ this @COTA. An opportunity to tell @danielricciardo how much we appreciate him. Hope everyone visits the Leters to Danny area in the grand plaza and fills the books. ?#USGP #DR3 #COTA pic.twitter.com/Chfcwejy7J
— TheAmazingUmlaut (@umlaut_the) October 18, 2024

Written by

Sheona Mountford - F1 Journalist

Sheona Mountford is a motorsport journalist specialising in F1. As a writer and contributor, she covers a wide range of motorsport series from F1 to F1 Academy, responsible for breaking news, live race coverage and in depth analysis of the sport and the culture around it.

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Red Bull Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Daniel Ricciardo Sebastian Vettel