Hill critical of Red Bull regarding Ricciardo's departure

Before the teams and drivers have arrived at the Singapore GP, rumours started to circulate about Daniel Ricciardo getting replaced by Liam Lawson. Even as more and more stories suggested that will be Ricciardo's final Grand Prix, nothing was confirmed by Red Bull or Visa Cash App RB. The official announcement was then published on last Thursday.

However, from the Australian's interview following the race, it seemed clear that he had completed his final weekend in the competition. Damon Hill believes the Red Bull family should have handled things in a different way, as whenever VCARB had to respond to the rumours, it was invariably said that they assume Ricciardo will continue at COTA with the team.

"It’s hard for any sportsman to deal with," the 64-year-old Briton began about Ricciardo's exit in the F1 Nation podcast. "It was more like there was a rumour. It became such a strong rumour that it was almost taken as read that that was the news. And of course, it turned out to be true."

Hill criticises Red Bull's announcement strategy

"It got to the point where you think Red Bull could have said ‘Listen, everyone is talking about it, we know it’s going to happen. This is Daniel’s last race. If you want to say goodbye and well done, then now’s your time'," said the former world champion.

Hill also found it strange that while the choice has been made internally, VCARB indicated continuously that they count on Ricciardo. "Instead it went out as a bit of a damp squib," the Briton concluded.

This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi

Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!

X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube