Team principal Laurent Mekies admits Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 departure could have been managed better, while replacement Liam Lawson quickly makes his case ahead of the Mexico City GP.

Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies has publicly expressed regret over the way Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from the team was handled, following his exit after last month’s Singapore Grand Prix. Ricciardo, a fan favourite and one of Formula 1’s most charismatic drivers was replaced by Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson in a move that left many questioning the team’s approach.

Mekies admitted that the process surrounding Ricciardo’s exit was not as smooth or respectful as it should have been. “It wasn’t handled in a good enough manner,” Mekies conceded, highlighting the team’s dissatisfaction with how events unfolded. He added that, given the opportunity, Red Bull would do things differently in the future.

The decision to replace Ricciardo with Lawson became an open secret even before the official announcement. The news broke just days after Ricciardo’s last appearance at the Singapore GP, a race where the Australian veteran was forced to confront swirling rumours about his future. Despite fielding questions about his exit, Ricciardo was unable to formally address the situation until days later, leaving fans and media alike frustrated by the lack of clarity.

Red Bull’s official confirmation came via coordinated social media posts, but the timing of the announcement – four days after Singapore – only fuelled the sense that Ricciardo’s exit had been poorly managed. There was no formal farewell or public acknowledgement of Ricciardo’s contributions to the team, a stark contrast to the warm goodbyes other drivers have received in similar situations. Instead, Ricciardo was left to answer media questions without being able to provide any real closure, further complicating an already tense situation.

Ricciardo’s departure marks the end of his second stint with the Red Bull family, where he had initially found success in his earlier career. After leaving the team in 2018, Ricciardo returned to the Red Bull fold through its sister team, AlphaTauri, in 2023. However, a series of inconsistent performances, coupled with rising pressure from the team’s development plans, ultimately led to his replacement by the 22-year-old Lawson.

Liam Lawson, who had been biding his time as Red Bull’s reserve driver, has made an impressive start to his full-time racing career. The young New Zealander has already shown promising signs of potential, with his early performances suggesting that Red Bull’s decision to give him the seat may have been justified. Lawson’s ability to adapt quickly to the demands of Formula 1 has earned praise from both the team and pundits, and his consistent showing will be under the spotlight at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.

With the season progressing, all eyes will be on Lawson as he continues to navigate the pressures of top-tier racing. His opportunity to shine came unexpectedly, but the young driver has seized it with both hands, already making a compelling case for his inclusion in Red Bull’s future plans.

For Ricciardo, however, the circumstances of his departure have raised concerns about the treatment of experienced drivers in modern Formula 1. Many in the paddock and the wider fanbase have voiced disappointment that Ricciardo was not given a proper send-off. A driver known for his bright personality and fearless racing style, Ricciardo had built a significant following over the years. His sudden and low-key exit from Red Bull, without a formal goodbye at the Singapore GP, has left a sour taste for those who had followed his journey from the beginning.

Mekies acknowledged that Red Bull’s handling of the situation did not reflect the respect Ricciardo deserved, especially given his contributions to the team. The Australian’s career has spanned over a decade, with numerous wins and podiums to his name. Mekies’ admission of regret indicates that, while the decision to replace Ricciardo may have been necessary from a competitive standpoint, the team could have done more to honour his legacy.

Looking ahead, Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. While some speculate that he could find another seat within the paddock, others wonder if his exit signals the end of an era. Regardless of what comes next for the Australian driver, his departure from Red Bull marks a significant chapter in his career and in the sport itself.

As for Liam Lawson, the spotlight will be firmly on him as he takes on his next challenge at the Mexico City GP this weekend. The young driver will have the opportunity to further prove his worth and show that Red Bull made the right choice in giving him the seat. With Sunday’s race set for 8 p.m. UK time, fans will be eager to see whether Lawson can continue his strong form and cement his place in Formula 1.

This latest turn of events highlights the often harsh realities of the sport, where decisions are made swiftly, and careers can shift in the blink of an eye. As Formula 1 moves forward, both Ricciardo and Lawson will look to make their mark in what remains a fiercely competitive and ever-evolving landscape.