Hamilton delivers heartfelt message after Ricciardo RB exit

Lewis Hamilton delivered a heartfelt message to Daniel Ricciardo on Instagram just hours after the Australian driver's RB axe. 

It was finally confirmed on Thursday evening that Ricciardo will be replaced by Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season, with the fan favourite also parting ways with Red Bull. 

Ricciardo posted an Instagram post confirming his F1 exit, to which Hamilton left a comment which simply stated "legend". 

However, since making that comment, the seven-time world champion has again taken to Instagram in support of Ricciardo. 

Hamilton posted a series of pictures of himself with Ricciardo, the first of which was of the pair on the podium at the 2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where the 39-year-old conducted a shoey with the Australian driver. 

The pictures were accompanied by a message to Ricciardo, congratulating him on his career and thanking the 35-year-old for all of their battles. 

"@danielricciardo it’s been a honour to compete with you over the years," Hamilton wrote in an Instagram post. 

"I’ll never forget the battles, the laughs, and drinking out of your shoe 🤢 It was gross, but glad I got to do it with you bud.

"You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest 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."