Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 profession is all however over after he was let go by Purple Bull’s junior group RB, with the Australian understandably emotional within the wake of his exit
Picture: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Photographs)
Daniel Ricciardo has penned an emotional message to his followers after being let go by Purple Bull.
The Australian has misplaced his seat on the group’s junior RB squad, with Liam Lawson changing him for the ultimate six races of the season. Ricciardo returned to the F1 grid halfway by means of final season to switch Nyck de Vries.
However he has struggled to hit the shape anticipated of him in that point, ending as the ultimate automobile operating in Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix. He at the moment sits 14th within the World Championship standings, with Purple Bull now opting to maneuver him on.
It brings an finish to a 14-year profession for Ricciardo, with the 34-year-old extremely unlikely to have a seat on the grid subsequent season. Together with his time in F1 all however over, the Australian has taken to social media to pay tribute to his followers.
“I’ve cherished this sport my complete life. It’s wild and great and been a journey. To the groups and people which have performed their half, thanks,” Ricciardo wrote in an Instagram put up of himself in his racing overalls together with his again to the digicam.
“To the followers who love the game typically greater than me haha thanks. It’ll at all times have its highs and lows however it’s been enjoyable and fact be instructed I wouldn’t change it. Till the following journey.
Ricciardo brings his profession to an in depth having gained eight races, claimed 32 podiums and scored 1329 factors throughout 258 Grands Prix. Throughout that point, he drove for HRT, Toro Rosso, Purple Bull, Renault, McLaren and RB.
As he introduced his choice to ditch Ricciardo, RB Staff Principal, Laurent Mekies thanked the driving force for his efforts. He additionally hailed Ricciardo’s excessive spirits within the face of what has been a troublesome season.
“Everybody right here at VCARB want to thank Daniel for his laborious work throughout the final two seasons with us. He has introduced a whole lot of expertise and expertise to the Staff with a implausible angle, which has helped everybody to develop and foster a good group spirit,” Mekies mentioned.
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Picture:
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“Daniel has been a real gentleman each on and off the observe and by no means with out that smile. He will likely be missed, however will at all times maintain a particular place throughout the Purple Bull household. I’d additionally wish to take this chance to welcome Liam. He already is aware of the Staff effectively.
“He drove for us final season, and coped effectively below tough circumstances, so it’ll be a pure transition. It’s nice to see younger expertise from throughout the Purple Bull household make the following step. We’re trying ahead to getting our heads down and specializing in the remainder of the season collectively.”
Lawson had a powerful five-race cameo with RB final season and has spent this yr as Purple Bull’s reserve driver. Ricciardo’s fellow drivers added their very own tributes to him.
Alpha Tauri star Pierre Gasly mentioned: “Congrats for what you achieved champ!” Mercedes’ George Russell added: “Going to overlook you mate.” And former Purple Bull star David Coulthard mentioned: “You’ve left a powerful legacy behind you within the sport & at all times made the paddock a smilier place.”
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