Daniel Ricciardo axing puts $35 million deal at risk for Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career came crashing down, but his axing could come back to bite his former team in a major way.

Daniel Ricciardo’s axing could come back to bite Red Bull in a big way.

The Aussie Formula 1 driver was officially sacked by the team last month after failing to deliver enough high level results.

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The axe came down on Ricciardo following the Singapore Grand Prix, but it became evident the 35-year-old knew his time was up as he delivered emotional interviews following the race.

Red Bull’s junior team, Visa Cash App RB, has promoted Kiwi Liam Lawson to replace Ricciardo for the final six races of the year.

But it has now been revealed that axing Ricciardo could hit Red Bull where it hurts most, on their bottom line.

A report from ESPN notes that the Aussie’s presence in the team helped land a monster $35 million a year deal with title partnership Visa and CashApp.

According to sources it was because of Ricciardo the number went as high as it did, proving he was the most marketable man on the grid thanks in large part to being the face of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series.

Now without the man dubbed the Honey Badger in their garage, the commercial value of the team could significantly drop away.

Red Bull could be hit hard by the loss of Ricciardo. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

It makes it more understandable as to why both Team Principal Christian Horner and chief adviser Helmut Marko have been hoping he’ll take on an ambassadorial role for the team.

Marko confirmed the team had offered Ricciardo the role shortly after they handed him his marching orders.

“He is one of the most popular Formula 1 drivers, especially in the USA,” Marko said.

Horner said: “I hope he stays around the sport and we’ve made it very clear that we want him to remain in an ambassadorial capacity with the team.

“Of course one never really knows, if Liam doesn’t get the job done, if Checo doesn’t get the job done, we know what Daniel’s capability is.

“But I think for him he knows at the age he’s at, he’s had a great career.”

Red Bull want him to remain as an ambassador. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Weeks after his time at Red Bull had come to an end, Ricciardo revealed a heartfelt moment that took place ahead of his final race.

Ricciardo shared a series of photos on Instagram where he showed behind the scenes details which included his final helmet swap with fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri.

The image of Ricciardo and Piastri pulled on the emotions of his legion of fans and sent social media into meltdown.

Former F1 world championship runner-up David Coulthard summed it up when he suggested he was in tears when commenting on Ricciardo’s post.

“Don’t mind me … just cutting onions,” the British driver wrote.

The official account of the Australian Grand Prix also shared a “loudly crying face” emoji.

“I can’t do this today,” the organisation posted.

Journalist Mariana Malek commented: “Why am I crying all over again”.

Danny Ric and Oscar swapped helmets.

While Ricciardo was shown the door, Lawson came under heavy fire on social media after being announced as his replacement.

Lawson will get behind the wheel for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas when the F1 paddock returns to the track this weekend.

Red Bull will be hoping the youngster can deliver alongside Yuki Tsunoda with the junior team sitting in sixth place on the constructors standings, three points ahead of Haas.

The once dominant outfit have fallen behind the eight ball this season with Max Verstappen not tasting victory since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.

It’s been eight races since Red Bull have stood atop the podium in which time they’ve fallen behind McLaren in the constructors standings, a race they’ve all but admitted is lost.

The United States Grand Prix will get underway on Monday, October 21 from 6am (AEDT).

Originally published as Daniel Ricciardo axing puts $35 million deal at risk for Red Bull