Will there be an apology? Red Bull respond to criticism over handling of Ricciardo’s retirement – When Daniel Ricciardo sat behind the wheel of his Racing Bulls car at the Singapore Grand Prix four weeks ago, the event marked more than just another race on the Formula One calendar.
For many in the paddock and across the fanbase, it was clear that this would be the Australian driver’s final appearance in the sport’s premier series. However, the confirmation of Ricciardo’s departure remained shrouded in mystery, with Red Bull Racing keeping the news under wraps until well after the Singapore race weekend.
In the weeks that followed, criticism mounted over how Red Bull and its sister team, Racing Bull, handled Ricciardo’s departure.
Now, after much speculation and public outcry, the team has addressed the situation indirectly, with team principal Laurent Mekies reflecting on the decision and offering something of an apology for the way Ricciardo’s exit unfolded.
RB boss: Ricciardo chose to go quietly
A popular figure leaves the sport
Daniel Ricciardo, a driver beloved by both the paddock and fans for his infectious personality and signature smile, is no longer a Formula One driver. Renowned for his on-track talent and off-track charisma, Ricciardo has become an integral part of the sport, not just as a driver but as an ambassador for Formula One.
His departure was therefore met with sadness and disbelief by many.
The end came quietly, with Ricciardo replaced by young Liam Lawson, a promising talent given the opportunity to shine with Red Bull Racing’s sister team. As the team looked to the future, the lack of a formal farewell for Ricciardo stood in stark contrast to the significance of his departure.
The silence surrounding Ricciardo’s departure led to criticism from fans, pundits and even other members of the F1 community. Many felt that a driver of Ricciardo’s stature deserved a more fitting send-off, something beyond the vague statements and cryptic comments made during the Singapore race weekend.
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Mekies speaks out: A belated acknowledgement
Finally, Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies addressed the mounting criticism during a media session at the recent Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. In his remarks, Mekies admitted that the team’s handling of Ricciardo’s exit was far from ideal and acknowledged the frustration shared by fans and insiders alike.
“I think the answer to that question is yes, it was frustrating and yes, you are right, it was not ideal to approach the Singapore GP with Daniel in that way,” Mekies admitted when asked how the team handled the news of Ricciardo’s departure.
The admission of guilt, however indirect, is perhaps the closest thing to an apology the fans will receive. Mekies went on to reflect on how the team’s decision affected not only Ricciardo, but everyone involved.
“It was not ideal, first and foremost for Daniel himself, both professionally and personally, and for the whole team around him,” Mekies added, underlining the personal nature of the situation for Ricciardo.
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Why the silence? Inside the decision
The mystery surrounding Ricciardo’s departure was not simply an oversight or lack of planning, according to Mekies. As the team principal revealed, the decision not to make an official announcement about Ricciardo’s departure was a deliberate one. It was a decision, Mekies explained, made in consultation with both the team and Ricciardo himself.
“For a lot of different reasons, we collectively decided to go into the weekend without an announcement,” said Mekies.
“From then on we had to deal with it. It’s a decision we might have made differently with the benefit of hindsight, but we agreed – both the team and the drivers – that we wanted to go through with it.”
While defending the decision, Mekies also admitted that, in retrospect, things might have been done differently. This statement suggests a realisation within the team that Ricciardo deserved more recognition, especially considering his contributions to the team and the sport as a whole.
Racing Bulls boss Peter Bayer also revealed that the non-announcement was partly at Ricciardo’s request, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The revelation provided a measure of closure for fans, knowing that Ricciardo himself played a role in how his exit was handled.
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Ricciardo’s legacy: “Bigger than F1”
Despite the lack of a formal farewell, Mekies was quick to emphasise the impact Ricciardo has left on F1. While there was no grand send-off at the Singapore Grand Prix, Mekies spoke of the love and appreciation Ricciardo received from fans and colleagues alike, which was evident throughout the weekend.
“I think we all found a way, in one way or another, to express how much the sport loves Daniel, how much the fans love Daniel,” said Mekies. The atmosphere during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend was a testament to Ricciardo’s enduring popularity, with the outpouring of support from fans highlighting just how much he means to the sport.
Mekies went a step further, suggesting that Ricciardo’s influence extends beyond the confines of F1.
“The love that Ricciardo felt again over the weekend in Singapore was something extraordinary. It showed that he is bigger than F1,” Mekies praised, highlighting the deep connection Ricciardo has forged with the sport’s global audience.
The future: What’s next for Ricciardo?
As Ricciardo steps away from F1, at least for now, the question remains as to what lies ahead for the Australian driver. With Liam Lawson taking his place at Red Bull’s sister team, Ricciardo’s absence from the grid leaves a noticeable void. There has been speculation as to whether he will pursue opportunities in other motorsport series or possibly return to F1 in another capacity.
Ricciardo’s close association with Red Bull, coupled with his enduring popularity, suggests that this may not be the last we see of him in the world of motorsport. Whether as a driver, ambassador or mentor to younger talent, Ricciardo’s influence on the sport is unlikely to fade any time soon.
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Rolling into testing in Bahrain for this year, again it was Red Bull who looked the team to beat. Come the Grand Prix a week later, it was Max Verstappen romping home to victory by a winning margin that eclipses even Norris’ the last time out in Singapore.
The squad from Milton Keynes won seven of the first ten events through Max Verstappen, although over that time it was not clear whether McLaren or Ferrari were the main challenger…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
