The day has finally come. Formula 1’s sweetest, smiliest soldier Daniel Ricciardo has been kicked to the curb by Red Bull and Visa Cash App RB, effectively bringing his career in the F1 to an end.
Although rumours had been swirling since Sunday that Ricciardo would be nixed following his performance in the Singapore Grand Prix, the news was only confirmed early on Friday morning by Red Bull’s junior team Visa Cash App RB. Shortly after, the team confirmed that Kiwi young gun Liam Lawson would be taking over Ricciardo’s seat.
Soon after, the eight-time Grand Prix winner took to Instagram to reflect on the sad news.
“I’ve loved this sport my whole life,” Ricciardo wrote.
“It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey. To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you.
“It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it.
“Until the next adventure.”
Is anyone else CRYING?!?!
Although this is sad news for the Ricciard-hoes, it’s not exactly a surprise. He’d had an underwhelming season with Visa Cash App RB after jumping ship from McLaren at the end of 2022. And, it seemed like coming in 18th at the Singapore Grand Prix was the last straw.
The reason this sacking potentially marks the end of Ricciardo’s career is because of the extremely limited spots for drivers on the grid each year. There are only a total of 20 drivers in the paddock each year. Until today, there were only two spots left for the 2025 season: Ricciardo’s current seat which is now claimed by Liam Lawson and a seat at Sauber.
But, even if Ricciardo was offered the Sauber seat, I don’t think he’d take it. After all, he’d made it pretty clear that his goal was to impress the big dogs at Red Bull and reclaim his seat zooming around with them. Although there were whispers that Sergio Perez who is currently driving for Red Bull could get the chop, he’s technically signed on for 2025 and realistically it’s unlikely that the team would turn to Ricciardo to fill it.
Following the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo told reporters that he was “at peace” if that race was his last.
“I tried to get back into Red Bull, it didn’t work out, so then I also have to say, ‘Okay, what else am I ultimately doing here and trying to achieve?’” he said.
“Let’s say maybe the fairytale ending didn’t happen, but I also have to look back on what it’s been. Thirteen or so years and I’m proud.”
Over his 14-year career in the F1, Ricciardo has claimed eight victories and three poles over his impressive 258 grand prixs. He even finished third in both 2014 and 2016 championships.
Ricciardo’s bubbly personality has become loved by millions of fans around the world after he appeared in Netflix’s documentary series Drive To Survive. I’d even argue that his effervescent, compelling nature was one of the reasons the show has done so well and introduced the sport of F1 to so many people — myself included.
Although this might be the end for Ricciardo in the F1, I think this certainly isn’t the last we’ll hear of him.
Image: Twitter / Instagram
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