Rumors swirled around ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix that it could be Ricciardo's final race in Formula 1 as as Red Bull's management was reportedly interested in replacing him with Liam Lawson.

During that weekend, the Australian carefully avoided questions about his uncertain departure, leaving fans hopeful that he might remain with RB until at least the end of the season.

However, those hopes were shattered the following week when it was officially confirmed that Lawson would be stepping in for Ricciardo with immediate effect.

Although the decision to switch drivers was made before Singapore, it was kept quiet, and neither the team nor Ricciardo confirmed it. This left some fans upset, feeling that Red Bull had treated the eight-time winner unfairly by not giving him a proper farewell.

Reflecting on the situation, RB team Principal Laurent Mekies mentioned that it may have been better to approach things differently.

“Yes, it was frustrating, and yes, it was not ideal to go through the weekend in that way,” he said.

“That is first of all for him, on a professional and on a personal matter, and for the whole team around him.”

He also pointed out that the eight-time grand prix winner was informed in advance.

“Daniel [Ricciardo] was aware,” he continued.

“We did have discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we chose together to go into that weekend without announcing. And from that point onwards, we had to deal with it.

“It's a decision that, in hindsight, we may or may not do differently. But it's something that we were, both the team and the drivers, on board to go through that now.”

Ricciardo’s future still remains uncertain with no signs of interest in other racing series or another possible shot in Formula 1. While Red Bull has shown interest in giving Ricciardo another position within the team, he is not keen on coming back as the reserve driver.