Max Verstappen has voiced his disappointment over the abrupt and quiet exit of former teammate Daniel Ricciardo from Formula 1, following the Singapore Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver believes that the eight-time Grand Prix winner deserved a more fitting and respectful farewell from the sport, given his contributions over the years.
Ricciardo, who had been racing for RB before being replaced by Liam Lawson, saw his departure from the team—and potentially the sport—happen without much fanfare. While rumors had been swirling about his future, the official announcement of his exit didn’t come until after the Singapore GP, robbing him of a proper send-off.
Verstappen, who partnered with Ricciardo at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018, expressed his disappointment with how things were handled, feeling that the Australian deserved a more dignified farewell given his impact on the sport and his celebrated race wins.
“Yeah, I mean, I think it was quite clear for me, for Daniel, that that was the last race,” Verstappen explained in an interview with select media outlets. “From my side, I think it could have been handled a bit differently. Also for him, because he knew it, but if you can’t say it exactly, it’s a bit of a shame, you know. He’s done a lot for F1, won races, had incredible races, and yeah, I think he deserved a nicer exit.”
Ricciardo, known for his infectious personality and daring overtakes, was a fan favorite during his time in F1. Despite a difficult few seasons, including a stint at McLaren that didn’t live up to expectations, his career featured many memorable moments and victories. In Singapore, although there were signs he knew his time might be up, he wasn’t given the traditional farewell that fans, drivers, and paddock personnel typically expect for a driver of his stature.
Ricciardo’s post-race demeanor indicated that he was aware of his impending departure, but the official confirmation from RB didn’t arrive until after the event, leaving many—including Verstappen—feeling that the moment was mishandled.
Ricciardo’s recent teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, also shared his thoughts on the Australian’s exit, noting that he learned more from Ricciardo than from any other teammate during his F1 career.
“When we spoke after the race in Singapore, eyes to eyes, we said, ‘thank you, [we] appreciate each other,’ and I was a bit emotional, to be honest,” Tsunoda said. “I think he’s been a very good team-mate, and the driver I’ve learned the most from out of any drivers.”
While Ricciardo is now enjoying some time away from the sport, seen in relaxed social media posts, his absence from F1 leaves a void for many fans and drivers alike. With no major farewell, his exit from the grid serves as a reminder of how swiftly the landscape of F1 can change, even for those who’ve had a profound impact on the sport.
