LEWIS HAMILTON posted a classy one-word response after Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from Formula One was confirmed.
Ricciardo was brutally axed by VCARB following the Singapore Grand Prix.
The 35-year-old posted a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram, saying: “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey.
“To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you.
“It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.”
An outpouring of emotion followed the announcement from both fans and rivals, with Ricciardo having been on the grid since 2011.
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Reacting to his post, seven-time world champion Hamilton was among those to wish the Australian farewell.
He simply said: “Legend.”
Taking to his own page, Hamilton, 39, also shared an image of himself alongside Ricciardo performing a the Honey Badger’s trademark “shoey” celebration.
On that post he added: “@danielricciardo it’s been a honour to compete with you over the years.
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“I’ll never forget the battles, the laughs, and drinking out of your shoe 🤢 It was gross, but glad I got to do it with you bud.
“You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy.
“You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it.
“There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”
Other F1 drivers also joined the list of well-wishers, including former team-mate Lando Norris, who said: “Ly brother.”
George Russell said: “F1 won’t be the same without you, mate. All the best on the next adventure.”
The Australian Grand Prix account said: “F1 won’t be the same without you, Daniel. Thank you for everything you did for our sport. Australia is incredibly proud of you.”
F1 2025 grid
Here are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan
RB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBC
Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon
The F1 account said: “Forever iconic.”
A statement from VCARB team principal Laurent Mekies said: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us.
“Daniel has been a true gentlemen both on and off the track and never without that smile.
“He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.”
Ricciardo had broken down in tears during post-race interview in Singapore, with it understood he had already been informed that it would be his final race.
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Despite finishing last of the runners who finished the race, Ricciardo snatched the fastest lap away from Norris – sparking a cheating row from McLaren chief Zak Brown.
The team have already announced that 22-year-old Liam Lawson will replace Ricciardo for the rest of the season.
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
