Messages from Formula 1 fans all over the world have been pouring in since Daniel Ricciardo’s confirmed departure.
It was speculated in the run-up to the Singapore Grand Prix that Ricciardo would be leaving Formula 1 altogether, as Liam Lawson will take over his VCARB seat for the remainder of F1 2024. On Thursday, it was confirmed that this would be Ricciardo’s final race with Red Bull’s junior team VCARB.
Daniel Ricciardo, an eight-time race winner, is making his official F1 exit, and messages are flooding in for him. Singapore will mark his 257th and possibly last grand prix start. Ricciardo took to social media to release a statement following the news.
“This is a sport I’ve loved all my life. It’s been a journey, wild and wonderful,” Ricciardo remarked.
“Thank you to all the teams and individuals who contributed. Thank you to the fans who occasionally have a greater passion for the sport than I do. Although there will always be highs and lows, it has been enjoyable, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“Until the next journey,”
Reactions from the “Honey Badger’s” rivals, teammates, and previous teams have been plentiful.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, said it simply: “Legend.”
In the early going of the V6 turbo-hybrid era, Ricciardo at Red Bull found himself trying to challenge Hamilton and the dominant Mercedes team. Ricciardo was the only race winner outside of the Mercedes stable in 2014, winning three races in his debut season with Red Bull.
George Russell, Hamilton’s current Mercedes teammate, continued, “Going to miss you mate.”
Meanwhile, Ricciardo received praise from the Mercedes team for his enthusiasm and rivalry.
The Silver Arrows retorted, “Over the years, you’ve been an incredible competitor.”
“I appreciate all of the enjoyable fights and contagious enthusiasm you brought to our sport, both on and off the track. Daniel Enchanté.
After the 2018 season, Ricciardo made the unexpected decision to join Renault and leave Red Bull. Even though it wasn’t a race-winning move, his P3 finishes at the 2020 Emilia Romagna and Eifel GPs allowed Renault to return to the F1 podium for the first time since their grid comeback.
The group, now known as Alpine, said, “You played a big part in our team’s history and whatever you do next, we’ll always remember that smile.” “Honey Badger, best of luck to you.”
In 2020, during his second and last season with Renault, Ricciardo was paired with Esteban Ocon, who mentioned in his response how much the Australian had taught him.
“Congrats, buddy, on all of your professional accomplishments. I took a lot of knowledge from you in our time together. I’m wishing you luck on your upcoming journey!
Following his time with Renault, Ricciardo moved to McLaren. Although he won his eighth and final race at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, Ricciardo’s two seasons there were unremarkable, and the team terminated his contract a year early because of his struggles against teammate Lando Norris.
After reading Ricciardo’s statement, Norris posted, “Ly brother.”
Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard wrote: “You’ve made the paddock a smilier place & left an impressive legacy behind you in the sport.” Pierre Gasly, who took over for Ricciardo at Red Bull after the latter left for Renault, wrote: “Congrats for what you achieved champ!”
And Max Verstappen, Ricciardo’s last Red Bull teammate and close friend, responded with a nod to the future: “Head up, buddy!” There will be many more lovely moments.
Although Ricciardo is still unsure, PlanetF1.com understands that the door has been left open for him to stay in the Red Bull Racing pool.
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