Liam Lawson reflects on 'extremely uncomfortable' Daniel Ricciardo exchange

Liam Lawson has remembered the “extremely uncomfortable” position he found himself in last year when he was called up to replace Daniel Ricciardo.

The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix marked Ricciardo's final race in F1, with a string of disappointing performances resulting in Red Bull calling up Liam Lawson to replace him at its sister team, RB.

It was widely speculated in the build-up to the event that it was likely to be Ricciardo's final race with the team.

Lawson had replaced Ricciardo once before in 2023 when the eight-time grand prix winner suffered a hand injury at Zandvoort.

While there was discomfort for the rookie in handling the situation, he praised Ricciardo for his professionalism throughout the process.

“For us, it was obviously extremely uncomfortable,” Lawson told media including RacingNews365.

“The only thing I took away from it was how much of a good person Daniel is and how he was to me through the whole journey.

“From when I first came into this seat, when he had his injury, to going back to reserve, we had a very good relationship.

“We still do. My only takeaway from that weekend last year was just how much respect I have for him.”

Last time out in Baku, Lawson recorded his career-best result with a drive to fifth place.

The New Zealander revealed he received a congratulatory message from Ricciardo as he highlighted the pair still maintain a positive relationship.

“He sent me a nice message after Baku, and he’s obviously off on his own journey at the moment,” Lawson said.

“He’s just somebody who's been very supportive. We're from the same part of the world as well, so it's something we probably both understand, it’s quite difficult to get to this point.

“We’re both very lucky. He's been out in the open a little bit, probably needs to shave his beard in most people’s opinions!”