Truth behind Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 exit revealed by VCARB boss

Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from the F1 grid drew widespread backlash, now his former boss has lifted the lid on what really unfolded.

The truth behind Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from the Formula 1 grid has finally been revealed.

Ricciardo’s time came to an end following the Singapore Grand Prix in September with the Aussie being replaced at the Visa Cash App RB team by New Zealand youngster Liam Lawson.

Every qualifying session and race from the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

While rumours swirled throughout the race weekend the 35-year-old’s time was up, it wasn’t until four days later the announcement was made official.

The unceremonious handling of Ricciardo’s final race left countless fans seeing red and blasting Red Bull for how it was handled.

But now VCARB CEO Peter Bayer has lifted the lid on those final moments and revealed they were simply going along with what Ricciardo wanted.

“We had agreed with Daniel that we would not communicate it,” Bayer told Auto Motor und Sport.

“We knew that we would look a bit outdated as a team. But we also did it to protect the driver. It was his wish.”

Ricciardo wanted the news to be kept under wraps. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Bayer lifted the lid on what really unfolded. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Despite the conversation taking place ahead of the race weekend, Bayer said Ricciardo refused to accept the deal was set in stone and was determined to show everyone he belonged on the grid.

“He believed right to the end that he would finish at the front in qualifying and show everyone,” Bayer said.

“I’ve never seen such mental strength in an athlete. And I’ve been in a lot of sports.

“It was a terrible moment when he exited in Q1. You could already hear on the radio that his world had collapsed.

“We then spoke to him again on Saturday. We sat together in our office at two o’clock in the morning and asked him what we should do now. He then told us that we should just let him drive the race. He just didn’t want any nonsense.”

Ricciardo fought back tears as he spoke to the media. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

It wasn’t the farewell fans nor Ricciardo had hoped for, with Bayer saying they ideally wanted to give him a proper send off following the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

“If Daniel had driven all the way to Abu Dhabi, then of course we would have celebrated his farewell with fireworks and a photo on the grid, just like (Kimi) Räikkönen back then. That’s what everyone would have wanted,” Bayer said.

VCARB team principal Laurent Mekies admitted ahead of the United States Grand Prix the entire situation was “not ideal” and could have been dealt with better.

“It was frustrating, and yes, you’re right, it was not ideal to go through the weekend in that way,” Mekies said.

“Yes, Daniel was aware (it would be his last race in Singapore). We did have discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we chose together to go into that weekend without announcing. And from that point onwards, we had to deal with it.

“It’s a decision that, in hindsight, we may or may not do differently.”

Ricciardo has been offered an ambassadorial role with Red Bull amid speculation his exit could threaten his old team’s $35 million title sponsorship with Visa and CashApp.

It appears more than likely Ricciardo will sail off into the sunset and close the door on his F1 career.