AUSTIN — Formula 1 is in Austin for this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, but during the FIA Press Conference on Friday featuring three team bosses, a now-former driver, and his departure from the grid, was a topic of discussion.
Laurent Mekies was asked about the decision by Visa Cash App RB F1 Team to part ways with Daniel Ricciardo following the Singapore Grand Prix and replace him with Liam Lawson for the rest of the season. Specifically, Mekies was asked about how the situation was handled, with Ricciardo running his final F1 race in Singapore when it appeared to everyone around the paddock that the end was near.
In response, Mekies conceded that the situation was not “ideal,” but noted that the outpouring of support for Ricciardo from around the sport is a testament to how much the driver meant to Formula 1.
“Yes, it was frustrating and yes, you’re right. It was not ideal to go through the weekend in that way,” began Mekies ”First of all, for him on a professional and on a personal matter, and for the whole team, around him. Yes, Daniel was aware. We did have discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we chose together to enter that weekend without announcing. And from that point on, we have to deal with it.”
The VCARB boss then turned to how the sport, and the team, still found ways to express their love for Ricciardo.
“It’s a decision that in hindsight, we may or, or may not do differently, but it’s something that we were both, both the team and the drivers were, were on board, to go through that,” continued Mekies. “Now, I think in a way or another, we all found a way to express how much love there is from the sport to Daniel. From the fans, to Daniel.
“So, I don’t know if it would have been better or worse,” continued Mekies. “Certainly different, more traditional. I can hopefully say that the amount of love and empathy we felt through that weekend, was something else, something that shows that he’s bigger than an F1 driver, he’s bigger than F1.”
Ricciardo’s millions of fans would certainly agree, particularly on that final point.
