Verstappen criticises Red Bull over Ricciardo F1 exit

Max Verstappen has declared Daniel Ricciardo deserved a “nicer” departure from F1 after his RB axe last month.

Shortly after the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, the Red Bull sister team confirmed Liam Lawson would take Ricciardo's place for the rest of the campaign.

It was widely understood during the Singapore event that Ricciardo would be dropped after the race, with the Australian acknowledging his precarious situation throughout the grand prix weekend.

Ricciardo has struggled to consistently unlock F1 form at RB, having also endured difficulties at McLaren in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

“I think it was quite clear for me, for Daniel, that that was the last race,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365.

“From my side, I think it could have been handled a bit differently.”

Ricciardo has since been spotted in a social media post, wearing a cap that stated he is “retired”.

The eight-time grand prix winner, who spent three years alongside Verstappen at Red Bull, merited a more significant send-off, according to the Dutchman.

“Also for him, because he knew it, but he can’t say it exactly - it's a bit of a shame,” Verstappen added.

“He's done a lot for everyone. He's won races. He has had incredible races. I think it deserved a nicer exit.”

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