In Picture: Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen (Photo via Getty Images)
Reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen commented on Daniel Ricciardo's unceremonious split with Red Bull Racing and VCARB. Verstappen defended his friend and former teammate, stating that Ricciardo's final race weekend with the team could have been handled differently.
Heading into the Singapore GP weekend, rumors in the paddock suggested that Ricciardo would be replaced by Liam Lawson. Despite all indications pointing to the Aussie driver's departure from the team, no official statement was released by VCARB or Red Bull Racing. The absence of official confirmation during the race weekend contributed to an unceremonious split, with the news breaking four days later.
During the United States GP, Verstappen said that it was quite clear within the team that the Singapore GP would be Ricciardo's final race. He added that the situation could have been handled better and that the eight-time F1 race winner deserved a nicer exit. He said (via PlanetF1.com):
