The F1 community – be it drivers, team bosses or teams – have come up to wish Daniel Ricciardo well after he was dropped by Visa Cash App RB mid-season.
With the idea to get the senior Red Bull seat, Ricciardo returned to the family and raced with Visa Cash App RB in 2023. He initially replaced a struggling Nyck de Vries, but got injured himself, which meant Liam Lawson was handed his F1 debut.
The Australian was anyhow retained for 2024 season alongside Yuki Tsunoda. It was a make or break situation and had he performed excellently, he would have potentially replaced Sergio Perez at Red Bull, who has his own struggles.
But considering the Australian’s own inconsistent run and Tsunoda more or less beating him at races, the situation started to fade away for Ricciardo to be at Red Bull and the chances of him being dropped started to gather momentum post summer break.
The decision was penciled for post Singapore GP and it was eventually announced by Visa Cash App RB that Lawson will see-through the rest of the 2024 F1 season alongside Tsunoda. It has potentially ended Ricciardo’s F1 career, with little chance of another driver, as his colleagues along with team bosses and the teams greet him well for the future.
Lewis Hamilton: “Legend. Daniel Ricciardo, it’s been a honour to compete with you over the years. I’ll never forget the battles, the laughs, and drinking out of your shoe. It was gross, but glad I got to do it with you bud. You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it. There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”
Esteban Ocon: “Congrats for all you achieved in your career mate. Learned a lot from you during our time together. Wishing you all the best for your next adventure! It’s been a pleasure DR! You’re a top guy and I learned a lot from you during our time together. You made your mark on the sport and should be very proud of your achievements. I know you’ll lick the stamp and send it and find success in whatever you do next!”
Pierre Gasly: “Congrats for what you achieved champ! Congrats on your career DR!! A huge lot to be proud of!! I will always remember that one time you showed up in the paddock riding that horse, hell yeah!! One of a kind, and enjoyed those late dive bombs of yours, we will miss you in the paddock honey badger. All the best on your next adventures and enchanté buddy!!”
Max Verstappen: “Head up mate! Many more beautiful moments to come.”
Lando Norris: “Ly brother.”
George Russell: “Going to miss you mate. F1 won’t be the same without you, mate. All the best on the next adventure, Ricciardo Daniel.”
Charles Leclerc: “The one and only Daniel Ricciardo, you’ll be missed in the paddock mate. Good luck with everything.”
Oscar Piastri: “Congrats on everything you achieved, DR.”
Fernando Alonso: “New adventures to come, champ.”
Yuki Tsunoda: “It was a big pleasure to be your teammate this last year. Daniel Ricciardo, we had many great times together and I learned a lot from working with you. Your legacy in the sport is one I really admire and I wish you the best of luck for whatever comes next.”
Carlos Sainz: “It’s been great to share the paddock with you all these years. I wish you all the best, legend! Daniel Ricciardo.”
Christian Horner: “From the moment you arrived at Red Bull it was obvious you were so much more than just a driver. Your constant enthusiasm, sense of humour and attitude will leave an indelible legacy on the Team here in Milton Keynes and F1 as a whole. Thank you for the wins, smiles, songs (and I wish I could say the shoeys), you will always be a special part of the Red Bull Family. 8 wins, 32 podiums, 1329 points. These statistics and accolades are not the only measure of who you are and what you have achieved. Thank you Daniel.”
Zak Brown: “Daniel, you’re one of a kind. A supremely quick driver and an awesome person to be around. Your win in Monza will forever be etched into McLaren’s history. It was one of the best moments of my life, and I have the tattoo to prove it! I know that day meant a lot to you, too. Watching you thrash Dale Earnhardt Sr’s 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo around COTA is also one of my favourite memories of our time together! MEGA! All the best in your next adventure, and I know you’ll crush whatever it is.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “Thank you Daniel Ricciardo. Keep Smiling.”
Red Bull: “From the whole Red Bull Family, thank you, Daniel Ricciardo. Cheers to the seven victories, shoeys, smiles and unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on our Team’s history.”
Mercedes: “You’ve been an incredible competitor over the years. Thanks for the many fun battles and the infectious energy you brought to our sport both on and off track. Enchanté, Daniel.”
Alpine: “You played an important part in our team’s history and whatever you do next, we’ll always remember that smile. All the best, Honey Badger.”
McLaren: “Thank you for the memories, Daniel. You’ll forever be etched into McLaren’s history. We’ll always have Monza.”
Williams: “The grid won’t be the same without you, Daniel Ricciardo.”
Pirelli: “Thank you for all these years, for the laughs in the paddock, the feedbacks, and the incredible skills you’ve shown on track. You’ll be missed, Honey Badger!”
Australian GP: “F1 won’t be the same without you, Daniel. Thank you for everything you did for our sport. Australia is incredibly proud of you.”
Here’s Liam Lawson replacing Daniel Ricciardo
Here’s news on departure of Daniel Ricciardo
Here’s Daniel Ricciardo on potentially last race, feelings
Here’s Daniel Ricciardo and Red Bull duo on fastest lap drama
Here’s Daniel Ricciardo and others before Singapore GP weekend
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