Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that he wears the merchandise of former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo. It’s another indication of his almost universal popularity within the F1 paddock.
Ricciardo drove for Red Bull between 2014 and 2017, the height of Mercedes’ dominance. While he scored occasional Grand Prix victories and twice finished third in the standings, he was never able to seriously rival the Silver Arrows drivers.
So while Wolff’s relationship with Max Verstappen has been tested at times, he appears to be a genuine friend of Ricciardo. Indeed, he revealed on the Armchair Expert podcast that the Australian has been bringing him items from his clothing line.
Ricciardo has retired from F1, without making a formal announcement, according to close confidantes. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the paddock after he lost his Racing Bulls drive.
This was effectively a decision made by Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and the top Red Bull leadership. They wanted to give Liam Lawson a chance to audition for Sergio Perez’s seat.
Ricciardo’s final appearance came at the Singapore GP in late September. Four weeks later in Austin, Lawson was in the car, beginning a six-race stint that earned him a promotion.
Toto Wolff says Daniel Ricciardo deserved a ‘platform’ before his Racing Bulls exit
Wolff admires Ricciardo’s ability to stay ‘positive’ even in moments of adversity. Indeed, he became known in F1 for his distinctive grin.
However, Wolff feels the circumstances of his exit were a ‘real shame’. Red Bull should have given him a ‘platform’ to say goodbye.
The circumstances in Singapore were remarkable, with Ricciardo facing relentless questions about his future. It seemed inevitable that he’d be replaced, but the team wouldn’t make an announcement.
While he set the fastest lap at the end of the race, he didn’t depart with any real fanfare. As an eight-time Grand Prix winner, Wolff thought he deserved better.
“I wear his merchandise,” he said. “He brings me that stuff. It’s super cool.
“He’s always so positive. How this ended is a real shame. How they didn’t give him the platform, because he’s done so well.”
Daniel Ricciardo unlikely to be an F1 commentator after first attempt failed
Wolff isn’t the only rival team principal to offer his reaction. McLaren’s Zak Brown paid tribute to the ‘mega’ Ricciardo on social media.
The 35-year-old’s reputation may have counted in his favour, earning him significant commercial backing. Indeed, Racing Bulls’ sponsors pushed for Ricciardo to stay for the US Grand Prix.
But in the end, Horner and Marko felt they had to make a rather ruthless sporting decision. And at this stage, given the scarcity of available seats, it’s highly unlikely Ricciardo will race full-time in any programme this year.
A role in the F1 media has been suggested. But Ricciardo’s first commentary appearance was a failure, which may have put him off.
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