Is Lawson axe proof Red Bull made major Ricciardo mistake?

Following the news that Liam Lawson is set to be replaced at Red Bull by Yuki Tsunoda, one name has been brought up by countless Formula 1 fans on social media: Daniel Ricciardo. 

Ricciardo was axed by Red Bull with six races remaining last season after Lawson was given his seat at the sister team. 

It was a decision by the energy drink company which ended Ricciardo's F1 career and any hope of a fairytale return to Red Bull. 

The Australian dreamed of racing for the Milton Keynes-based team in 2025 but numerous poor performances led to his axing after the Singapore Grand Prix last season. 

Ricciardo initially left Red Bull for Renault at the end of the 2018 season due to believing Max Verstappen was being favoured, before returning after leaving McLaren at the end of 2022.

When racing for Red Bull, performance was never a concern for the 35-year-old, who was the last driver to consistently match Verstappen as his team-mate.

With Lawson having lasted just two races alongside the four-time world champion, many have argued that it is proof a mistake was made by axing Ricciardo.  

Did Red Bull make a mistake axing Ricciardo?

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