Christian Horner Makes Smart Move Appointing Daniel Ricciardo as Max Verstappen’s New Teammate After Liam Lawson’s Struggles in 2025 Chinese GP
In a stunning decision that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Christian Horner has made the strategic move of appointing former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo as Max Verstappen’s new teammate, following a series of missteps from Liam Lawson in the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix.
The change in personnel comes at a time when Red Bull Racing, the dominant team in recent years, has had a rocky start to the 2025 season. After multiple years of near-perfection with Verstappen at the helm, Red Bull’s early performance this year has been less than stellar. A series of errors from Lawson, brought in as a temporary replacement after an injury to Ricciardo earlier in the year, contributed to a poor showing in Shanghai, where Lawson’s performance was far below the team’s expectations.
Liam Lawson, the young New Zealand driver, had shown flashes of brilliance in previous outings, but the high-pressure environment of Red Bull Racing appeared to be taking its toll. The Chinese GP saw Lawson struggle with his car’s handling, resulting in a crash in the opening laps, which ultimately led to a DNF (Did Not Finish). The team’s inability to score any points in what was expected to be a favorable race left Horner and his engineering team with a hard decision to make.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, acknowledged the team’s underperformance but also emphasized that it was an opportunity for a fresh approach. “We’ve always prided ourselves on taking calculated risks and making bold moves when necessary. The decision to bring Daniel Ricciardo back into the fold is a reflection of our commitment to securing a championship-winning lineup,” Horner commented.
Ricciardo, who had been with Red Bull for several seasons in the past, is well known for his exceptional driving skills, strategic racecraft, and strong team ethos. He left the team in 2018 to pursue a new challenge with Renault and later moved to McLaren. However, his stint with McLaren was disappointing, and he ultimately parted ways with the team after a frustrating couple of years. Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull Racing is viewed as a homecoming of sorts, as he is well-acquainted with the team’s philosophy and working dynamic.
Verstappen, the reigning two-time World Champion, has also welcomed Ricciardo’s return. The pair had developed a strong bond during their previous years together at Red Bull, and Verstappen was vocal about the fact that Ricciardo’s return would bring a positive, competitive atmosphere to the team. “Daniel has always been a great teammate and a fierce competitor,” said Verstappen. “Having him alongside me again will definitely push us both to new heights.”
The decision has also been viewed as a necessary shift in team dynamics to ensure that Red Bull Racing maintains its competitive edge in the 2025 season. The team had hoped Lawson could develop into a future star, but with the championship already so fiercely contested this season, Horner and his senior engineers believed that Ricciardo’s experience and racecraft would be critical for maximizing the car’s potential.
Looking ahead, Red Bull will be hoping that Ricciardo’s return will inspire a turnaround in performance, as they look to reclaim the dominance they have held in recent years. With the highly competitive nature of Formula 1, every decision at this level is crucial, and Horner’s bold move is an indication that Red Bull Racing is ready to fight for every point.
As the Formula 1 circus heads to the next round in Azerbaijan, the pressure will be on Ricciardo to quickly get up to speed and help Red Bull regain its momentum. However, the team will be hoping that Ricciardo’s return will not only help bolster their points tally but also give Verstappen the competitive teammate he needs to continue his quest for a third consecutive championship.
