F1 chief reveals SECRET Ricciardo agreement

The former boss of Daniel Ricciardo has revealed an understanding the pair had ahead of the Aussie's controversial axing from Formula 1.

Following a season of poor performances and his failure to beat VCARB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, Ricciardo was axed from F1 and replaced by Liam Lawson after the Singapore GP.

F1 HEADLINES: Mercedes set for Hamilton U-TURN as chief reignites Verstappen talks

READ MORE: F1 star set for EARLY team switch in 2024

However, the nature of Ricciardo’s exit from F1 attracted major criticism, with rumours that he would be replaced swirling around the paddock before he even raced in Singapore.

Amid constant questions about whether he would be sacked, the fan-favourite endured a disastrous weekend which saw him finish last of the remaining runners, a result which sealed his F1 fate.

READ MORE: Red Bull reveal team release ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix

READ MORE: F1 legend announces SHOCK exit

RB slammed for Daniel Ricciardo exit announcement

The way RB handled Ricciardo's exit attracted criticism, with some arguing the star did not receive a proper send-off for given the length and success of his F1 career.

RB’s scrutiny led to team principal Laurent Mekies publicly apologising for how they handled his exit and stated at the US GP: "We could have handled it differently."

However, RB CEO Peter Bayer has since overturned this claim from Mekies, suggesting they had made an agreement with Ricciardo over how to handle his F1 axing.

"We had agreed with Daniel that we would not communicate it,” Bayer said to Auto Motor und Sport.

“We knew that we would look a bit old as a team. But we also did it to protect the driver. It was his wish."

READ MORE: F1 legend announces SHOCK exit

According to Bayer, Ricciardo still believed in Singapore that he had the ability to win despite the speculation regarding his exit.

"He believed until the very end that he would finish at the front in qualifying and show everyone what he's got,” he added.

“I've never seen such mental strength in an athlete as this person has. And I have been in many sports."

READ MORE: Audi F1 issue official statement over team sale

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Red Bull 'make plans for Nikola Tsolov as Liam Lawson future decided'

• 3 hours ago

Isack Hadjar Red Bull absence could be 'much longer than expected'

• September 16, 2026 13:50

F1 star admits family had to make huge sacrifice to help his dream

• Yesterday 14:04

Red Bull F1 star opens up on ‘not enjoying life' after team switch

• September 17, 2026 08:14

Red Bull star's F1 future boosted with rival tipped to race in Japan in 2027

• September 16, 2026 22:27

Mercedes chief reveals 'secret codes' team changes every week

• 11 minutes ago