Red Bull slammed for mistreatment of F1 star Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo's future in Formula One hangs in the balance after an emotional Singapore Grand Prix on September 22nd, 2024. While there's no official confirmation, reports suggest it could be his final race, leaving fans and pundits fuming at Red Bull's treatment of the popular driver.

A Farewell Overshadowed by Uncertainty:

Ricciardo finished a disappointing 18th in Singapore, overshadowed by speculation about his future replacement at Red Bull's sister team, VCARB. The media reported that Liam Lawson might take his seat due to a contractual clause. Despite these rumors, neither Red Bull nor VCARB offered any clarification, adding to the confusion and leaving Ricciardo in emotional limbo.

Red Bull's Lack of Transparency Draws Ire:

Fans were particularly upset by Red Bull's reluctance to confirm or deny Ricciardo's departure. Team officials offered vague statements about "strategic decisions" and "discussions after Singapore," leaving everyone guessing. This lack of transparency was widely criticized as disrespectful towards a driver who has dedicated significant time and effort to the team.

Ricciardo Deserved Better, Say Fans:

Many fans felt Ricciardo deserved a proper farewell, especially considering his long career in F1 and his role in attracting new fans through Netflix's "Drive to Survive." Social media was abuzz with criticism targeted at Red Bull, with comments calling their handling of the situation "disgusting" and "cruel."

Uncertainties Remain for Ricciardo:

While Ricciardo's performance in Singapore wasn't ideal, his future remains the biggest talking point. VCARB team principal Laurent Mekies claims they wanted to give him the "chance to savour" what could be his last race, while Red Bull boss Christian Horner remains non-committal. According to ESPN, team advisor Helmut Marko might favor the younger Lawson.

A Fitting Send-Off Still Possible?

Whether or not this was Ricciardo's last race remains to be seen. With the United States Grand Prix a month away, Red Bull is expected to make a decision soon. Fans still hope for a proper send-off for the driver they admire, and a more transparent approach from Red Bull in the coming weeks.