P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Daniel Ricciardo knew his fate prior to his final F1 race, but the manner in which it was handled was botched.
Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies expressed regret about how Daniel Ricciardo’s departure was handled in 2024. Before the Singapore Grand Prix, there were rumors that Ricciardo would be replaced by Liam Lawson, but the official announcement did not come until after the race weekend. Ricciardo seemed downcast during media obligations and emotional following the race. His exit was confirmed shortly after, with Lawson taking his place alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the rest of the season. Mekies acknowledged that the team should have handled the situation differently, but appreciated the support and love shown to Ricciardo throughout the challenging weekend. He emphasized that Ricciardo’s impact goes beyond Formula 1, receiving exceptional admiration and empathy from both the sport and its fans.
