F1 world blasts ‘disgraceful’ detail as Daniel Ricciardo’s sacking from Red Bull confirmed

F1 pundits and fans have blasted the handling of Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from Red Bull, with many questioning why he wasn’t given a proper farewell at the Singapore Grand Prix. Red Bull confirmed on Thursday night that Ricciardo had been let go, an outcome even the 35-year-old himself had been expecting after his disappointing campaign in 2024.

It means the career of the eight-time F1 race winner is almost-certainly over after 14 years driving for Red Bull, HRT, McLaren and Renault. Ricciardo became one of the most popular drivers in F1 over the years, and his sacking has left fans and fellow drivers heartbroken for him.

But many are also questioning why Red Bull didn’t announced the news before the last race so he could be afforded a grand send-off. Every man and his dog knew RB were set to sack the veteran Aussie driver, but leaving it until after the Singapore Grand Prix means he won’t get the farewell he deserves.

Social media was awash with criticism over how RB handled Ricciardo’s departure on Thursday. The Aussie had earlier written on Instagram: “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you. It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.”

F1 drivers pay heartfelt tribute to Daniel Ricciardo

The post was flooded with responses from fans and peers. Verstappen wrote: “Head up mate! More beautiful moments to come.” Fellow former teammate Lando Norris wrote: “Ly brother”.

Hamilton commented: “It’s been an 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.

“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.”

Pierre Gasly wrote, “Congrats for what you achieved champ, while George Russell added: “Going to miss you mate”.

Red Bull figures speak out after Daniel Ricciardo’s sacking

Ricciardo’s exit had effectively been confirmed at last Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix when his team gave his car a fresh set of tyres so he could go out and set the fastest lap of the race in his final hurrah. RB team principal Laurent Mekies said in a statement they “would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us.

“He has brought a lot of experience and talent to the team with a fantastic attitude, which has helped everyone to develop and foster a tight team spirit. Daniel has been a true gentleman both on and off the track and never without that smile. He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner wrote on social media: “From the moment you arrived at Red Bull it was obvious you were so much more than just a driver. Your constant enthusiasm, sense of humour and attitude will leave an indelible legacy on the team here in Milton Keynes and F1 as a whole.

“Thank you for the wins, smiles, songs (and I wish I could say the shoeys), you will always be a special part of the Red Bull Family. 8 wins, 32 podiums, 1329 points. These statistics and accolades are not the only measure of who you are and what you have achieved. Thank you Daniel.”

Daniel Ricciardo’s disappointing season in 2024

Ricciardo will be replaced by 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson for the final six races of the season. Lawson is 13 years younger than the Aussie and thought to have a bright future in F1.

Ricciardo finished third in the championship in 2014 and 2016, while the last of his eight wins came at Monza in 2021 with McLaren at the Italian Grand Prix. It wasn’t enough to overcome a disappointing stint at the British team and he was replaced by fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri at the end of 2022.

Ricciardo was offered a lifeline this year when RB brought him back to race for their ‘sister’ team. But he’s consistently been outdriven by teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who is 12th in this year’s drivers’ standings – 10 points ahead of Ricciardo in 14th.

with AAP