- Patrick says Ricciardo is at the end of his career
- Ricciardo fans annoyed by comment
- The Australian’s replacement excels
Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has sparked outrage among fans of F1 star Daniel Ricciardo with a controversial comment about the popular Australian’s career.
Ricciardo, 34, watched his AlphaTauri replacement Liam Lawson take down Max Verstappen to enter the top ten in his third Formula 1 qualifying session for his Singapore Grand Prix debut.
The Kiwi driver arrived at the Singapore GP with great confidence after excellent performances at the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix.
Some fans have suggested Lawson should take Riccardo’s seat permanently, as the Australian recovers from seven fractures to his left hand after a crash at the Dutch GP.
American racing icon and Sky Sports pundit Danica Patrick has angered Ricciardo fans by discussing the situation at AlphaTauri.
Former professional driver Danica Patrick upset Ricciardo fans with her comment
The currently injured Daniel Ricciardo witnessed his replacement Liam Lawson’s impressive performance at the Singapore Grand Prix.
“Daniel Ricciardo is obviously at the end of his career,” Patrick said.
Ricciardo’s supporters jumped on the comment and took to social media to express their anger.
“Daniel Ricciardo is obviously at the end of his career” and if you shut up Danica how about this,” one fan wrote on X.
‘Danica doesn’t have any opinions I agree with. Danny is thriving, hurting your hand 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.
“Yeah, she has the nerve to say that.” Someone needs to remind her how she erased her own career and promptly disappeared into the backfield,” said another.
Sky Sports commentator Ted Kravitz joked that in light of Lawson’s recent impressive performances, Ricciardo would not make the mistake of breaking his hand again.
Kravitz also said he saw Red Bull boss Christian Horner have a “very interesting meeting” with the AlphaTauri boss.
Lawson also had excellent performances in the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says Ricciardo’s return from injury ‘complicated’
“It could be about anything, but I wonder if it will be about what you do with Liam Lawson, who is obviously a minor star,” Kravitz said.
“That they keep him in the car long term and pair him with Daniel Ricciardo and what you’re doing with Yuki Tsunoda. They have the embarrassment of riches because Liam Lawson has done really well since that he made his debut in Formula 1.”
Meanwhile, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says Ricciardo’s return from injury is ‘complicated’.
‘It is complicated. There are seven fractures. The same doctor who operated on Marc Marquez (MotoGP rider) is taking care of him,” Marko said on Servus TV.
“We are planning a six-week break and have recruited a high-profile replacement, Liam Lawson.
“We don’t want to take any risks.”
