How social media reacted to Ricciardo’s RB departure

After days of speculation, Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from RB was confirmed on Thursday, with the team announcing that the Australian will be replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson for the final six races of the season. With this seemingly bringing the 35-year-old’s extensive F1 career to an end, the news was met with plenty of reaction on social media, including some emotional tributes from his fellow drivers…

Hamilton reflects on Ricciardo’s legacy

Ricciardo made his Formula 1 debut back in 2011, a year in which many of the current drivers on the grid had not yet arrived into the sport.

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One name who very much had, though, was Lewis Hamilton, and the seven-time world champion shared some touching words about the legacy that Ricciardo will leave – as well as giving an insight into the experience of partaking in a shoey.

Gasly on “one of a kind” Ricciardo

It will be hard to forget Ricciardo’s habit of shouting “Pierreee Gaslyyyyyy!!!” whenever he encountered the Frenchman, so it seems fitting that Gasly himself took to social media to pay tribute to the eight-time race winner.

The Alpine driver posted several photos from Ricciardo’s time in the sport, adding that he would particularly remember when the Australian arrived at the 2022 United States Grand Prix riding a horse into the paddock.

A message from Russell George

George Russell – who was affectionately known as ‘Russell George’ to Ricciardo – took to Instagram to wish the exiting driver well.

Leclerc wishes Ricciardo luck

Another driver to send their well wishes to Ricciardo was Charles Leclerc, with the Monegasque writing that he will “be missed in the paddock”.

Leclerc screenshot Ricciardo Instagram post.png

Sainz calls Ricciardo a “legend”

Leclerc’s Ferrari team mate Carlos Sainz joined in the tributes, commenting that it had been a pleasure to “share [the] paddock” with Ricciardo.

Sainz screenshot Ricciardo Instagram post.png

Ocon “learned a lot” from former team mate Ricciardo

Esteban Ocon drove alongside Ricciardo during the latter’s second season at Renault in 2020, and the Frenchman wrote on social media that he had “learned a lot” from his former team mate in that time.

“You made your mark on the sport and should be very proud of your achievements,” Ocon added.

Horner says Ricciardo was “more than just a driver”

Christian Horner wrote a lengthy tribute to Ricciardo, having worked with the Australian for many years during his time with the Red Bull family.

“8 wins, 32 podiums, 1329 points. These statistics and accolades are not the only measure of who you are and what you have achieved,” the Red Bull Team Principal said.

Brown reflects on Ricciardo’s Monza win

Ricciardo’s last victory in F1 came at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, a highlight in what was a tough two years for the driver at McLaren.

CEO Zak Brown – who memorably had a tattoo etched onto his arm to celebrate the win – looked back on the memories of the day as he took to Instagram to send his well wishes to Ricciardo.

Drivers and teams – both old and new – send love to Ricciardo

Ricciardo himself shared an emotional post in the moments after his departure from RB was announced, which quickly sparked plenty of comments from drivers both old and new including two of his former team mates.

“Head up mate! Many more beautiful moments to come,” Max Verstappen – who raced with Ricciardo at Red Bull – wrote, while McLaren’s Lando Norris simply said: “Ly brother.”

Ricciardo’s countryman Oscar Piastri posted “Congrats on everything you achieved DR”, and Fernando Alonso looked to the future by writing: “New adventures to come champ”

Speaking of what lies ahead, former F1 driver Marcus Ericsson – who now competes in IndyCar – seemed keen to persuade Ricciardo to join him, having commented: “You’re the man DR. First class person and driver. Always fun racing you through the years! And hey, it’s not too late to change your mind about @indycar. I promise you would love it 'over here'.”

There were also tributes from some of Ricciardo’s rival teams, with Mercedes posting: “You’ve been an incredible competitor over the years. Thanks for the many fun battles and the infectious energy you brought to our sport both on and off track. Enchanté, Daniel”

Alpine, meanwhile, reflected on Ricciardo’s stint at Renault: “You played an important part in our team’s history and whatever you do next, we’ll always remember that smile. All the best, Honey Badger.”