By Alan Baldwin
AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Daniel Ricciardo and his RB Formula One team knew before last month’s Singapore Grand Prix that he was leaving and having to pretend otherwise was “not ideal”, principal Laurent Mekies said on Friday.
The Australian spent much of that weekend awkwardly side-stepping questions about his unconfirmed departure and replacement by New Zealander Liam Lawson for this weekend’s U.S. Grand Prix.
Asked by reporters in Austin why 35-year-old Ricciardo had not been given a proper chance to say goodbye, Mekies said the eight-times race-winner’s departure could have been handled better.
“It was frustrating, and yes, you’re right, it was not ideal to go through the weekend in that way, first of all for him, on a professional and on a personal matter, and for the whole team around him,” said the Frenchman.
“Yes, Daniel was aware. We did have discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we chose together to go into that weekend without announcing. And from that point onwards, we had to deal with it.
“It’s a decision that, in hindsight, we may or may not do differently,” he added.
Ricciardo’s departure was announced on Sept. 26, four days after the Singapore race.
The Australian this week appeared in a photo on the Instagram account of friend and former motocross racer Adam Cianciarulo wearing a cap with the words “I’m retired. Having a good time IS my job” on it.
Mekies said the team and fans had still found a way to convey their affection for Ricciardo, one of Formula One’s most popular drivers, who is famed for his light-hearted approach and smiling personality.
“I can hopefully say that the amount of love and empathy we felt through that weekend was something outstanding and something that shows that he’s bigger than an F1 driver, he’s bigger than F1,” he added.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Rosalba O’Brien)
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