- Patrick says Ricciardo is at the end of his career
- Ricciardo fans annoyed by comments
- Aussie’s replacement excels
Ex-NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has sparked outrage among fans of F1 star Daniel Ricciardo with a controversial comment about the popular Aussie’s career.
Ricciardo, 34, watched as his AlphaTauri replacement Liam Lawson knocked out Max Verstappen into a top ten shootout in his third Formula 1 qualifying session on his debut at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The Kiwi driver comes to the Singapore GP with great confidence after excellent performances in the Dutch and Italian Grand Prix.
Some fans have suggested Lawson should take Riccardo’s seat permanently as the Australian battles back from seven fractures to his left hand following a crash at the Dutch GP.
American racing icon and Sky Sports pundit Danica Patrick angered Ricciardo fans when discussing the situation at AlphaTauri.
Former professional driver Danica Patrick angered Ricciardo fans with her comment
Daniel Ricciardo, who is currently injured, watched as his replacement Liam Lawson performed impressively at the Singapore Grand Prix
“Daniel Ricciardo is clearly at the end of his career,” Patrick said.
Ricciardo’s supporters responded to the comment and took to social media to express their anger.
“Daniel Ricciardo is clearly at the end of his career, what if you keep your mouth shut about Danica, what about that,” one fan wrote on X.
“Danica doesn’t have an opinion that I ever agree with. Danny is doing well, a hand injury doesn’t mean your career is over!?’ said another.
“Can you believe Danica Patrick just said Daniel Ricciardo is at the end of his career?” posted a third.
‘Yes, the nerve of her to say that. Someone needs to remind her how she boosted her own career and quickly faded into the backfield,” said another.
Sky Sports commentator Ted Kravitz joked that in light of Lawson’s impressive recent performances, Ricciardo would not make the mistake of breaking his hand again.
Kravitz also said he witnessed Red Bull boss Christian Horner having a “very interesting meeting” with the AlphaTauri boss.
Lawson has also delivered excellent performances in the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says that Ricciardo’s return after his injury is ‘complicated’
“It could be about anything, but I’m wondering if it’s about what you’re doing with Liam Lawson, who is obviously a minor star,” Kravitz said.
“Whether they keep him in the car for the long term and whether they partner him with Daniel Ricciardo and what you do with Yuki Tsunoda. They have an embarrassment of riches because Liam Lawson has done a great job since he made his Formula 1 debut.”
Meanwhile, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says Ricciardo’s return after his injury is ‘complicated’.
‘It’s complicated. There are seven fractures. The same doctor who operated on MotoGP rider Marc Marquez is taking care of him,” Marko said on Servus TV.
‘We expect a six-week break and have brought in a top replacement in Liam Lawson.
‘We don’t want to take any risks.’