Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to Daniel Ricciardo after his departure from Racing Bulls, Afrosport reports.
The 35-year-old Australian driver’s departure was confirmed by the Red Bull Racing sister team on Thursday and will be replaced by New Zealander Liam Lawson for the reminder of the 2024 F1 season.
The Singapore Grand Prix was tipped to be Riccardo’s final F1 race and it saw him snatch the fastest lap of the race from Lando Norris in order to aid reigning world champion and former Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen.
Hamilton took to Instagram to wish Riccardo well in where his next adventure is.
“Daniel Ricciardo it’s been a honour to compete with you over the years. 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,” read the post.
“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.”
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Ricciardo was one of the recognisable faces during his F1 career owing to his habit of always smiling, while also gaining the reputation of drinking champagne from his shoe when he won a race and indulged the other podium finishers.
He started in 257 F1 races, winning eight while recording 32 podiums, three pole positions and 17 fastest laps.
He also amassed 1329 career points driving for Hispania Racing, Renault, McLaren, Red Bull and all the previous iterations of the sister team (Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri and Racing Bulls).
