The 35-year-old's performance had declined since he rejoined the grid in 2023, failing to get out of Q1 on multiple occasions, and being largely outperformed by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.
With the fan favourite unable to better his previous results, Lawson has been given the nod over the Honey Badger.
Ricciardo still represented in Austin despite axe
With what could have been one last flourish, Ricciardo set the fastest lap of the race as the chequered flag fell at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
However, the popular driver is still front and centre when it comes to marketing around Austin's Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for race weekend.
Decked in cowboy gear, Ricciardo can be seen surrounded by his former rivals, including Brits Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, much to the F1 fans' delight.