Ex-F1 driver labels Daniel Ricciardo’s potential exit ‘confusing’

Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has expressed that Daniel Ricciardo’s probable departure from RB has been dealt with in a “half-hearted and confusing” manner.

Ricciardo conceded in Singapore last weekend that he might have completed his final outing in the sport amid rumours Red Bull could replace him before the next race.

Brundle has criticised Red Bull over the decision to not be transparent on a situation which prompted the paddock all but treating the previous F1 race as Ricciardo’s last.

“It was Daniel’s last race in F1 for a while and perhaps forever. It was a rather half-hearted and confusing exit from the team perspective,” Brundle wrote in his Sky F1 column.

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“The fans rewarded him with driver of the day as a farewell present and that leaves him with a tally of 257 starts, eight wins, three poles and 32 podiums.

“And an awful lot of smiles and happy fans. Well done and good luck to him whatever happens next, he’s a quality guy and world-class driver.”

Ricciardo’s loss could be Lawson’s gain

Brundle also commented on the situation that is poised to transpire, with Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson waiting in the wings to inherit the drive alongside Yuki Tsunoda.

“It’s his chance to prove he should be on the 2025 grid in either of the two Red Bull teams,” he added.

Red Bull might treat Lawson’s potential mid-season promotion as an audition for a promotion to the parent team, given Sergio Perez’s struggles throughout this season.

Ricciardo was in contention to replace the Mexican had Red Bull elected to drop him, but his failure to impress with RB is now set to see his career in the sport conclude.

The Australian was in a reflective and poignant mood in Singapore, finishing down in 18th place but stealing the fastest lap at the end, helping Max Verstappen’s title bid.

“Obviously, last year [a reserve role] made a lot of sense to keep one foot in the door and obviously the big picture was to try and get back at Red Bull,” Ricciardo said.

“I think if I was to do that again, there’s not really [much point]. I’m not going to restart my career.”

Despite the obvious disappointment, Ricciardo was philosophical about the station, saying: “I’m also 35 and I still showed the pace that I’ve had over the years.

“But it’s obviously been evident that it’s been harder for me to show it every weekend.

“I can’t be disappointed with that. I’m happy that, once upon a time, I could do it and that was a lot of fun.

“And if this is it, I want to make sure I walk away or leave the sport with good memories of it and it doesn’t get into that place where it’s just a grind and I’m out in Q1 every weekend.

“That’s obviously not fun.”