Max Verstappen has not been shy about criticizing his employer, Red Bull, and told Austin that Daniel Ricciardo deserves a “nicer” departure from F1 following his ouster as F1 RB after the race.
Shortly after the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, sister team Red Bull confirmed that Liam Lawson would take Ricciardo’s place for the remainder of the season. And it was widely understood during the race that Ricciardo knew about it.
But RB F1 and Red Bull did not offer a farewell to the public, even though Ricciardo has not officially announced his retirement from F1, it is very unlikely that he will manage to come back. Ricciardo has struggled to consistently find form at RB F1, having also struggled at McLaren in 2021 and 2022.
“I think it was pretty clear to me, to Daniel, that this was his last race,” Verstappen said to Austin.
“And the media knew it, so did the fans as a result.”
“For my part, I think it could have been handled a little differently.”
The Dutchman, who spent three years alongside Ricciardo at Red Bull, believes the Australian deserved something more meaningful than a fastest race lap for his start.
“He knew it but he couldn’t say it openly – it’s a bit of a shame. He did a lot for everyone, for F1. He won races. He had incredible races. I think that he deserved a more pleasant outing.”
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