‘His world had collapsed’ – Inside Daniel Ricciardo’s 2am Formula 1 sacking as team confirm ‘terrible moment’ that ended his career…watch Video

The Australian made his second and final F1 exit in September when Red Bull’s sister team, VCARB, dropped him for academy driver Liam Lawson.

Instead, it was left to Ricciardo to all-but-confirm his departure in some teary interviews with the media on Sunday night, but it still took four more days until his exit was officially confirmed by the team.

Given Ricciardo’s reputation as one of the best-ever drivers to never become world champion, let alone his status as one of the sport’s biggest personalities, the lack of a proper farewell was seen as disrespectful by many.

However, VCARB CEO Peter Bayer has now said it was Ricciardo’s decision not to confirm his departure until after the weekend.

“We had agreed with Daniel that we would not communicate it,” he 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 “We knew that we would look a bit outdated as a team.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.