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Debate | VCARB should immediately put Daniel Ricciardo out of his misery

Debate | VCARB should immediately put Daniel Ricciardo out of his misery

8 April - 20:00
22

Kada Sarkozi

Editor

A few hundred metres, that's how long the Japanese Grand Prix lasted for Daniel Ricciardo. Indeed, it was the Australian who failed to look in his mirrors before sliding to the right on the track and torpedoing Alex Albon. So another dramatic weekend for the Australian, with the question now arising: 'Ricciardo should be put out of his misery by VCARB immediately?'

Not so long ago, Daniel Ricciardo was a serious option for Red Bull Racing to become Max Verstappen 's teammate in 2025. By now, you won't hear anyone talking about that. Rather, there are doubts whether Ricciardo still has a future in Formula 1? A short-term future even. If the Australian is indeed in the kicking seat at Visa Cash App RB (which the team denies, by the way), he certainly did himself no favours at Suzuka with a self-inflicted crash.

Ricciardo knows heavy season

Not again, after being driven around the ears by teammate Yuki Tsunoda in the opening races of the season and mostly playing a supporting role in Formula 1. Today's Daniel Ricciardo is not the driver we know from his time at Red Bull Racing, this is McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo. The Daniel Ricciardo who was discarded there because he seemed to have lost his speed. VCARB gave him one last chance, but he did not take it. Meanwhile, in the background, the talented Liam Lawson is emphatically warming up to replace Ricciardo.

Has that moment now arrived? Meanwhile, there are serious doubts whether things will work out for Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB, in Formula 1 even? Ricciardo is approaching the fine age of 35, so sporting decline cannot be ruled out. It is quite normal that as someone gets older, speed disappears. In some it happens faster than others (see Fernando Alonso).

Take a vote and comment!

Painful though it is: a driver who really still wants to, but simply can no longer cope. Hence our question is: 'Should VCARB immediately put Daniel Ricciardo out of his misery?' Vote in the poll and respond in the comments!