David Coulthard’s Candid Take on Daniel Ricciardo: The Inevitable Decline and Emotional Exit from F1

David Coulthard's candid opinion on Daniel Ricciardo's downturn

David Coulthard implies that Daniel Ricciardo's departure from F1 was unavoidable

David Coulthard asserts that Daniel Ricciardo would probably have been replaced in 2025 even if he had not been cut from Formula 1 early.

Red Bull plans to swap out Ricciardo for Liam Lawson in their affiliated team, RB, starting from the upcoming grand prix in Texas.

It indicates that his 13-year career in Formula 1 has probably concluded suddenly.

"It hasn't been a remarkable return for him," remarked Coulthard, a former Red Bull driver, while speaking on Channel 4.

"This event isn't about camaraderie; it's focused on timing and crossing the finish line."

“It seems that, even if he continues until the end of the year, there will be a shift next year.”

Daniel Ricciardo was dropped by McLaren at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season, with the team choosing Oscar Piastri to take his place.

In the middle of 2023, he made a comeback at AlphaTauri, taking over for Nyck de Vries, who had not been performing well.

Ricciardo's advancement hit a setback due to a hand injury, during which Lawson stepped in and performed admirably. Nevertheless, Red Bull retained Ricciardo in their newly rebranded RB team for this year.

Ricciardo had aspirations that strong performances would earn him a spot alongside Max Verstappen on the primary team, a role he previously occupied. However, this did not come to pass.

'Fastest Lap Comfort'

Instead, Ricciardo left the F1 paddock in Singapore with a heavy heart, but he did secure the bonus point for the fastest lap.

“He had a role to play. He was not in the point-scoring positions,” Coulthard remarked.

"If that was his final aggressive lap in a grand prix car, with soft tires and minimal fuel, then earning the fastest lap title must offer some solace."

Ricciardo was brought to tears after the Singapore Grand Prix as he acknowledged that his career was probably over.

“It’s been incredibly difficult to see throughout the entire weekend,” stated journalist Lawrence Barretto, whose interview moved Ricciardo to tears.

"He arrived amid increasing rumors about what lies ahead for him."

“He enjoyed his Friday immensely, leading everyone to believe the weekend would turn out to be fantastic.”

"He faced challenges during qualifying and in the race… I know he set the fastest lap. However, he was very upset afterward."

"I didn't intend to make him cry. The emotions just took over."

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