In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, competition for a race seat can turn teammates into rivals. Yet, sometimes, the paddock reveals stories of camaraderie that shine even brighter than the on-track battles. One such story unfolded behind the scenes at AlphaTauri (now RB) after the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, when Daniel Ricciardo and rising star Liam Lawson found themselves at the center of a dramatic switch—one that put their characters to the test as much as their racing talent.
For Ricciardo, 2023 was a year of reinvention. After a rollercoaster stint at McLaren, he returned mid-season to the Faenza-based squad, initially as a replacement for Nyck de Vries. When a hand injury sustained during practice at Zandvoort forced him onto the sidelines, Red Bull-reserve driver Lawson was given his shot. Lawson impressed with gutsy drives, especially notable in Singapore, where he bagged his first F1 points. But as soon as Ricciardo was declared fit, the seat rightfully returned to him, leaving the young Kiwi momentarily without a drive despite his promising showings.
Many expected a typical cutthroat paddock response—aloofness, minimal contact, maybe even a whiff of resentment. Instead, the duo forged a bond built on respect and sportsmanship. Ricciardo, with his trademark positivity and infectious grin, became an unexpected source of guidance for Lawson during this uncertain phase of his young career. Rather than seeing him as a threat, Ricciardo made sure Lawson felt included, going as far as staying in regular contact, quelling doubts about his F1 future and offering advice on track and off.
Lawson, for his part, expressed deep appreciation for Ricciardo’s empathy, describing how the Australian reached out after the Singapore switch and kept in regular touch. Such acts are less common in the world of high-stakes motorsport, where seats are fiercely guarded and friendships can often be sacrificed on the altar of competition. Ricciardo’s reassurance and understanding not only helped Lawson keep perspective but also set an example of the kind of professionalism and maturity that defines the very best in Formula 1.
This mutual respect did not go unnoticed within the team. Insiders reveal that it created a healthier, more cohesive atmosphere, crucial for AlphaTauri/RB as the team navigated a challenging season. The collaboration and honesty between Ricciardo and Lawson helped ensure that on-track rivalry never translated into animosity or division within the squad. Instead, engineering debriefs and weekend strategies saw genuine partnerships, even when both drivers had everything to prove to top management and key decision-makers like Helmut Marko and Christian Horner.
Ricciardo’s supportive stance carries added weight given his own experiences in the sport. As one of the most popular drivers in F1—beloved for his approachable demeanor and sometimes self-deprecating humor—he understands the mental rollercoaster young drivers can face. The leap from rookie to regular in F1 can be as psychological as it is physical, and Ricciardo’s willingness to mentor, not just compete, is an asset seldom seen at this elite level.
For Liam Lawson, the experience was invaluable. While he narrowly missed out on sealing a full-time seat for 2024, he has become a priority reserve and development driver for Red Bull, with a growing fanbase and a paddock reputation for maturity beyond his years. The mentorship from Ricciardo arguably played a role in helping him keep focused, competitive, and ready for his next breakthrough. Many observers believe that when Lawson’s next chance comes, he will be all the more prepared—thanks, in part, to the example set by his Australian mentor.
This episode in Formula 1's ever-evolving narrative serves as a poignant reminder: while speed and skill are non-negotiables, the heart of the sport still lies in the human stories behind the helmets. Ricciardo and Lawson have together rewritten what it means to be rivals and teammates—and, in the process, given F1 fans another reason to cheer for sportsmanship, not just silverware.
