Close up image of a Red Bull F1 car representing Ricciardo

Elma Taric

Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was suddenly let go by Visa Cash App Red Bull (VCARB) days after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. The ordeal has caused significant controversy as Ricciardo was not given a proper goodbye.

Social media reaction elevated the issue, with many fans voicing their outrage. Overall, the situation brings about the question of whether or not Red Bull could have handled Ricciardo’s exit better.

Daniel Ricciardo’s Exit

The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix was marked with rumours of Daniel Ricciardo’s exit. A cheery Ricciardo initially denied the claims throughout the week. However, he seemed dejected after the race. Ricciardo referred to his clinching of the fastest lap of the race as his “one last crack at doing a fast one” during a post-race interview. He also added that he was “at peace” with potentially leaving the sport.

A few days after the Grand Prix, it was announced that Ricciardo was dropped and that reserve driver Liam Lawson would become his replacement. Presently, Lawson is set to drive for the remainder of the year. His performance will help VCARB decide who takes second seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda next year.

This is the second time Ricciardo will be leaving the sport. The F1 driver left briefly in 2023 after departing from McLaren and has since been replaced by Oscar Piastri.

Team Responses

In the aftermath, VCARB’s team principal Laurent Mekies voiced his displeasure with the way Ricciardo’s exit played out. At the United States Grand Prix. The following race, Mekies said: “We are not happy with ultimately how we handled it, and of course we are very conscious that we could, and we should, have done a better job at that.”

Mekies also went on to say that attempting to keep Ricciardo’s exit private was “not the right decision.”

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner also weighed in. He said:“In a perfect world, [Ricciardo finishing the season] would have been what we would have done. I’ve done my very best to buy him as much time in the car to allow him to deliver.”

The team principal also stated that letting Ricciardo go was necessary to evaluate Lawson’s performance. However, Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko, has a differing opinion. Marko reportedly vyed for Ricciardo’s exit since June this year.

“He was given a second chance that no one else would have given him. That speed was not there.”

Public Reaction

Rumours ignited significant concern online, with many worried that Ricciardo would be leaving without having the opportunity to finish the season. When the news of his exit were confirmed, it saddened fans, who were surprised. 

Many drivers took to social media to commemorate Ricciardo’s achievement and impact on the sport.

Lewis Hamilton posted on Instagram: “it’s been an honour to compete with you over the years […] You leave a legacy of always being yourself.” Pierre Gasly, Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, George Russell and Carlos Sainz were among the others who made tribute posts and stories.

Former teammate and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen spoke to Sky F1, saying he and Ricciardo “go way back” and have a “great friendship.” Verstappen added “[Ricciardo] will be remembered as a very fast driver, but also as a great guy in the paddock.”

Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso also left supportive comments under Ricciardo’s goodbye post.

Could Red Bull Have Done It Differently?

The entire Grand Prix weekend was plagued by rumours of Ricciardo’s departure. Red Bull’s avoidance to confirm rumours left Ricciardo facing insurmountable claims, publicity and attention the whole weekend.

Regardless of performance, Ricciardo deserved a more empathetic farewell as a veteran driver, as is usually customary. Mekies and Horner acknowledge this as well. In an ideal world, Ricciardo may have finished his year under different circumstances.

As of current, the Australian leaves Formula One having completed 257 Grand Prixs and with 8 wins to his name. Out of the entire 2024 grid, he was the fifth driver with the most wins. Ricciardo is only overtaken by Hamilton, Verstappen, Alonso and Valterri Bottas.

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Featured image courtesy of Richard Hsu via Flickr. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.

Elma Taric is a Psychology and Criminology student based in Australia. She has aspirations of working in the Criminal Justice and Journalism industries. Elma currently writes pieces on news, entertainment and sports.

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