Alex Albon names drivers that may have influenced Red Bull choice to drop Daniel Ricciardo

Alex Albon has weighed in on Red Bull's decision to drop Daniel Ricciardo, hinting that the surge of rookie talent might have influenced the decision.

Ricciardo was viewed as Plan B for Red Bull if Sergio Perez fell out of favour, but instead, he has been dropped altogether before the closing stages of the 2024 season after failing to hit the mark at sister squad VCARB.

Rookie Liam Lawson will replace Ricciardo and team up with Yuki Tsunoda at the upcoming United States Grand Prix. It is believed the change is aimed at sizing up Lawson for a potential shot with Red Bull as Perez remains under huge pressure.

Albon has since claimed that the rise of rookies like Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman may have persuaded Red Bull to look to the future. At Williams, Colapinto has shone in Logan Sargeant's old seat, whilst Brit Bearman racked up points in back-to-back races competing for both Ferrari and Haas.

Sharing his take with the Brazilian edition of , Albon said: "It's obviously tough. I really like Daniel. He's a super, super person, a great ambassador for the sport as well. Obviously, the decision itself I can't really speak about.

"I imagine in some ways, the fact that Ollie and Franco have done so well, it kind of motivates Red Bull to start rethinking about the youth. Liam did already a good job. But yeah, of course I feel for Daniel. I think he's a super driver as well, more than anything else, so I'm sure he's going to find his feet and do something. I don't know what it would be."

While Ricciardo has not yet disclosed his future plans, Red Bull have offered the charismatic Australian the opportunity to stay involved as a brand ambassador. However, Ricciardo may rather find another drive elsewhere more appealing, even if that's outside F1.

Considering Ricciardo's significant appeal in the US, amplified by his featured role in Netflix's hit show 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive', Albon thinks the driver could pivot to an American racing series, sharing: "I could see him doing something like NASCAR. I just see him as someone who would... He enjoys his life, has connections with the US, so I could see something like that."