Ex-Ricciardo boss reveals SECRET meeting

Ex-Ricciardo boss reveals SECRET meeting

Daniel Ricciardo’s former Formula 1 team principal has revealed details of a confidential meeting with the Australian driver before his abrupt departure from the sport.

Ricciardo, 35, was dropped from the F1 grid after underwhelming performances in 2024, with rising talent Liam Lawson taking his seat.

Ricciardo’s exit, particularly its handling, attracted widespread criticism.

Speculation about his replacement had already circulated prior to the Singapore Grand Prix, putting immense pressure on the driver.

That weekend turned out to be disastrous, with Ricciardo finishing last among the remaining competitors, effectively ending his F1 career.

The way his departure was managed sparked backlash, with many feeling Ricciardo deserved a better farewell for his contributions to the sport.

Red Bull (RB) faced sharp criticism for their lack of transparency and acknowledgment of Ricciardo’s achievements.

Team principal Laurent Mekies admitted at the U.S. Grand Prix that they could have managed the situation more gracefully, even apologizing publicly.

Despite this, RB CEO Peter Bayer defended the team’s approach, revealing in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport that a private agreement had been reached with Ricciardo regarding the announcement of his exit.

Bayer explained that Ricciardo requested the situation remain confidential to protect him during a challenging time.

“We knew our approach might seem unusual, but it was Daniel’s wish to keep it private,” Bayer stated.

He added that Ricciardo maintained an unwavering belief in his abilities, even amid rumors of his dismissal.

At the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo still hoped to deliver a strong qualifying performance and prove his doubters wrong.

Bayer commended Ricciardo’s mental resilience, describing it as unmatched in his experience across various sports.

“His ability to remain mentally strong under such intense scrutiny was extraordinary,” Bayer said.

While RB defended their actions, the controversy surrounding Ricciardo’s exit highlighted the challenges of managing a high-profile driver’s departure in a competitive environment.

Fans and pundits lamented the lack of recognition for Ricciardo’s contributions to F1, marking an unceremonious end to the career of one of the sport’s most charismatic figures.