The announcement that Daniel Ricciardo has lost his seat in Formula 1 with RB before the 2024 season concludes has initiated a whirlwind reaction on social media.
Ricciardo’s premature exit appears poised to have brought an end to his F1 career as he has expressed that he doesn’t intend to pursue a place elsewhere on the grid.
But while his comeback to the sport didn’t deliver the Red Bull return that he hoped, the Australian departs having taken eight wins and 32 podiums across 257 starts.
READ MORE: Liam Lawson to replace Daniel Ricciardo at RB for remainder of F1 2024
Ricciardo’s achievements along with his affable personality endeared him to spectators but also to his colleagues, who have been providing support to the axed racer.
Lewis Hamilton, who shared several podium ceremonies with the former Red Bull and Renault driver, expressed that it had been an “honour” to race against Ricciardo.
“It’s been an honour to compete with you over the years,” said Hamilton in a social media post.
“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.”
The seven-time F1 champion’s current Mercedes team-mate George Russell added: “Going to miss you mate.”
Mercedes heralds ‘incredible competitor’ Ricciardo
Mercedes also penned a message to Ricciardo, who was the one driver to prevent the Silver Arrows from attaining a clean sweep in 2014 with his three race victories.
“You’ve been an incredible competitor over the years,” the German marque said.
“Thanks for the many fun battles and the infectious energy you brought to our sport both on and off track. Enchanté Daniel.”
Alpine praises Ricciardo’s contribution
Ricciardo opted to leave Red Bull to move to Renault in 2019, a move which saw him put the Enstone-based squad back on an F1 podium in a truncated 2020 season.
“You played an important part in our team’s history and whatever you do next, we’ll always remember that smile,” the team, which rebranded to Alpine in 2021, stated.
“All the best, Honey Badger.”
Ricciardo’s second and last campaign with the Anglo-French marque was spent alongside Esteban Ocon, who has admitted he learnt a lot alongside him that season.
“Congrats for all you achieved in your career, mate,” Ocon added. “Learned a lot from you during our time together. Wishing you all the best for your next adventure.”
Ricciardo is ‘etched’ in McLaren history
The Perth-born driver was on the move again to McLaren in 2021, but the switch proved to be a disaster as Lando Norris‘ intra-team dominance caused an earlier exit.
However, Ricciardo did manage the Woking-based squad’s first win since 2012 at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, a moment which McLaren CEO Zak Brown has tattooed.
“Daniel, you’re one of a kind. A supremely quick driver and an awesome person to be around,” Brown posted.
“Your win in Monza will forever be etched into McLaren’s history. It was one of the best moments of my life, and I have the tattoo to prove it! I know that day meant a lot to you, too.”
Oscar Piastri, who replaced his compatriot at McLaren last season, responded to Ricciardo’s departing post on Instagram: “Congrats on everything you achieved DR”
Elsewhere, Max Verstappen, who partnered Ricciardo at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018, told his friend: “Head up mate! Many more beautiful moments to come.”
READ MORE: Logical outcome, farcical handling: Red Bull marred Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 exit
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