Max Verstappen shared his thoughts on how Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from Formula 1 was handled, stating that his former teammate deserved a more fitting exit than the understated one he received at the Singapore Grand Prix. Red Bull Racing (RB) announced during the autumn break that Ricciardo would not return for the final six races of the season, with Liam Lawson stepping in to take his place.
Ricciardo, aware that his time in F1 might be coming to an end, hinted before the event that it could be his final race. This sentiment grew stronger as the weekend unfolded. However, despite his post-race comments suggesting he knew his fate, RB delayed the official announcement until the following week, leaving Ricciardo without the opportunity for a proper farewell in Singapore. Although some drivers expressed their best wishes, and he was voted Driver of the Day, the timing of the news left many, including Verstappen, feeling that Ricciardo deserved more recognition.
Verstappen, who raced alongside Ricciardo at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018, openly voiced his disappointment with how the situation was handled. He acknowledged Ricciardo’s significant contributions to the sport, highlighting his eight race wins and many remarkable performances. For Verstappen, Ricciardo’s achievements warranted a more honorable send-off, reflective of his impact on Formula 1.
Another voice in Ricciardo’s defense came from Yuki Tsunoda, who had been his teammate at RB. Tsunoda praised Ricciardo, calling him the teammate from whom he had learned the most during their time together. He described their final exchange after the race in Singapore as emotional and expressed deep appreciation for Ricciardo’s influence on his career.
While Ricciardo’s exit may not have unfolded as ceremoniously as many had hoped, it’s clear that his