Daniel Ricciardo has publicly demonstrated there are no hard feelings toward Liam Lawson by attending the New Zealander’s acoustic performance in Austin ahead of the United States Grand Prix. The appearance carries extra weight given that Lawson was the driver who stepped into Ricciardo’s Racing Bulls seat when Red Bull brought the Australian’s Formula 1 career to an end in 2024.
Two years on, the pair shared a photograph at the event, underlining a level of mutual respect that has survived the unforgiving nature of Red Bull’s driver decisions.
### LAWSON TAKES CENTRE STAGE OFF THE TRACK
Lawson headlined a special edition of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls’ Garage Sessions at Esses Bazaar in Austin. Armed with a Taylor GS Mini, he led an acoustic set that included covers of Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s “Rein Me In” and John Mayer’s “Daughters.” The lineup also featured Jonathan Capeci, Scoot Teasley, Jess Farren, Alison Nichols and Drake Milligan.
Lawson’s musical ability is already familiar to fans through the videos he regularly shares on social media. Performing live in the host city of a Grand Prix added a different dimension to his growing reputation beyond the cockpit.
### RICCIARDO MAKES A POINT OF ATTENDING
The most notable guest in the audience was Ricciardo himself. The Australian’s presence carried obvious symbolism. When Red Bull decided to end Ricciardo’s second stint with the organisation in 2024, it was Lawson who received the opportunity at Racing Bulls. In a sport where driver relationships can easily become strained by such decisions, Ricciardo’s decision to attend and pose for a photograph sent a clear message.
Team-mate Arvid Lindblad was also present, as expected, but Ricciardo’s attendance stood out as a gesture of genuine goodwill.
### PARALLEL PRESSURES FOR LAWSON
In an ironic twist, Lawson now finds himself in a situation that echoes Ricciardo’s final chapter. Despite a solid points-scoring season and a credible three-race stint as a Red Bull substitute earlier in the year, his seat for 2027 remains unconfirmed. Formula 2 contender Nikola Tsolov continues to be linked with a possible promotion to Racing Bulls, leaving Lawson fighting to secure his place on the grid.
The uncertainty is familiar territory for any driver operating within the Red Bull system, where performance is constantly measured against both current results and the next prospect in the junior pipeline.
### A MOMENT OF SPORTSMANSHIP
Formula 1 rarely offers clean emotional resolutions. Drivers are routinely moved aside to make way for the next opportunity, and relationships can fracture under the pressure. Ricciardo’s willingness to support Lawson publicly, long after the decision that effectively ended his own full-time career, stands as a reminder that personal respect can outlast professional displacement.
For Lawson, the evening provided a welcome distraction from the ongoing speculation about his future. For Ricciardo, it offered a chance to show that the manner of his exit has not defined his view of the driver who replaced him.
### LOOKING AHEAD
As the United States Grand Prix weekend continues, Lawson’s focus will return to the track and the need to keep delivering results that strengthen his case for 2027. Ricciardo’s show of support will not decide that outcome, but it adds a human note to a driver-market story that is otherwise dominated by contracts, performance data and organisational politics.
In a paddock often characterised by hard edges, the image of Ricciardo standing alongside Lawson in Austin provided a brief, welcome example of grace.
