The burning question was raised with Laurent Mekies.

Red Bull faces scrutiny over its treatment of Ricciardo’s last race, with Verstappen voicing concerns about the missed farewell.

The Red Bull family has faced significant criticism for its handling of what was likely Daniel Ricciardo’s final race in Formula 1.

Even Max Verstappen expressed his desire for a proper farewell in Singapore for the Australian driver.

Thus, the difficult question was put to Laurent Mekies, Red Bull F1 team principal, in Austin: Ricciardo knew it was his last race, Red Bull F1 knew, and so did the media. So why? Why did he have to pretend, and act as if no decision had been made?

“The answer is that, yes, it was frustrating, and yes, you’re right, it wasn’t ideal to go through the weekend in this way. First of all, for him, on a professional and personal level, and for the whole team around him.”

“Yes, Daniel was aware. We had discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we decided together to approach the weekend without announcing it. And from that moment on, we had to move forward.”

“In hindsight, it’s a decision we may or may not have made differently. But it was something we were all prepared to go through, both the team and the drivers.”

“In some way, we all found a way to express just how much the sport and the fans love Daniel. So, I don’t know if it would have been better or worse, certainly different, more traditional. But I hope I can say that the love and empathy we felt over the weekend was something exceptional, showing that he is bigger than a Formula 1 driver, bigger than F1 itself.”