Marko Explains Awkwardness Around Ricciardo's Departure Announcement
F1
Red Bull's Helmut Marko explained the strange circumstances of Daniel Ricciardo's departure from the RB / VCARB Formula 1 team.
On Thursday, September 26th, VCARB and Daniel Ricciardo officially announced they were separating their ways with immediate effect, meaning Ricciardo won't be driving for the RB F1 team anymore.
It was suspected already heading into the most recent race weekend (in Singapore) that it could be the Honey Badger's last Grand Prix in his F1 career. However, neither he nor Red Bull nor VCARB could confirm it.
Despite that, everything suggested it would be the Australian's final race in F1. Even Max Verstappen's reactions during press conferences seemed rather like goodbye messages to his friend.
It seems everyone within the VCARB F1 team knew what was going on. Even after the race, everyone came to Ricciardo, hugged him, and said goodbye.
Why wasn't it announced if it was clear ahead of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix that the 35-year-old drover would be leaving? Why did it have to be this awkward? Helmut Marko told the Formel1.de YouTube channel that the announcement had to be made this way due to some "obligations":
"[The timing] was related to a variety of factors and obligations. He was informed, and the worthy farewell performance was, I think, the fastest lap."
"That still showed what potential he has, not continuously and not at the level that would have justified him coming to Red Bull Racing, but that was an impeccable performance."
As to why the Red Bull-owned team decided to part ways with Daniel Ricciardo, Helmut Marko explained that the F1 driver simply didn't meet their expectations, which were communicated beforehand.
"I think it was clearly communicated that he has to be significantly better than Yuki Tsunoda and he only managed that in a few races, so it was clear that this story of the prodigal son rejoining Red Bull Racing unfortunately didn't work out."
"He said very well that he is at peace with himself, and he has come to terms with the situation and we will see what his plans for the future are."
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