Red Bull's $35m Deal at Risk After Dropping Aussie Star Ricciardo
- Liam Lawson is set to replace Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull Racing for the last six races of the season.
- Ricciardo's exit may jeopardize a significant $35 million partnership deal with Visa and Cash App, which he helped secure.
- The team aims to retain Ricciardo in an ambassadorial role, reflecting his positive influence on the team's image.
In October 2024, Red Bull Racing announced that Liam Lawson would replace Daniel Ricciardo for the final six races of the Formula One season. Ricciardo, a popular Australian driver, was let go due to his poor performance, failing to finish in the top ten in his last seven races. His best result this season was an eighth-place finish in Canada. Reports suggest that Ricciardo played a significant role in securing a lucrative $35 million annual partnership with Visa and Cash App, which may now be jeopardized following his departure. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed a desire for Ricciardo to remain involved with the team in an ambassadorial role, highlighting his positive impact on the team’s image and commercial value. Meanwhile, Ricciardo has received an invitation to race in Supercars, indicating potential opportunities outside of Formula One. The situation raises concerns about the financial implications for Red Bull Racing and the future of Ricciardo's career in motorsport.