"But why does Sergio Perez still have a seat?" - Fans react to Helmut Marko claiming Daniel Ricciardo knew in Singapore about his exit

Red Bull's sister team Racing Bulls replaced Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson, and the decision from the Austrian brigade came a few days after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. However, in his recent statement, Helmut Marko revealed that the team informed Ricciardo about his last date before the Marina Bay Circuit race.

Now, fans have come up to share their displeasure on social media and asked how Sergio Perez is still continuing at Red Bull despite the Mexican driver's underwhelming performances.

Daniel Ricciardo lost his RB drive almost a year after he was provided the opportunity. The Red Bull fraternity sacked Nyck de Vries following the 2023 British Grand Prix and brought the Honey Badger in. However, the eight-time Grand Prix winner failed to make it count and was shown the exit door to favor Lawson.

Rumors about Ricciardo's exit from the team were floating around the summer break, but he was given further opportunities. In the end, he was informed that the Singapore GP would be his last race for RB in Formula 1.

Throughout the race weekend, the Australian driver carried a body language that hinted towards his final GP race. From waving goodbyes, and staying in the paddock for the longest, to emotional interviews, Ricciardo did it all. Finally, on Thursday, September 26, RB announced their decision on Daniel Ricciardo.

However, the entire ordeal did not go well with fans. They questioned how Red Bull sacked Ricciardo due to lack of performances, but kept Perez for the same. Here's what fans had to say on social media, particularly on micro-blogging site X, formerly Twitter:

Mentioning Sergio Perez's situation, a fan wrote, "That’s all well and good… but why does Perez still have a seat? He’s making lance stroll look good."

Another fan reiterated the same, "Ricciardo helped Max’s title fight whilst checo losses us the constructors. 1 man has a seat and one doesn’t. Make it make sense."

"Lmao he’s the best driver in the red bull team behind Max. Tsunoda and Perez done sweet f*ck all too. Driven that boat of an RB pretty well," another fan wrote comparing Ricciardo next to Verstappen.

"Fire checo and put DR on the RB seat," wrote another fan asking Red Bull to change their decision.

Another fan wrote in a sarcastic tone, "Yeah nah checo has been just great."

A fan wrote bringing Perez and Ricciardo comparison, ""Not continuously and not at the level that would have justified him coming to red bull” oh yeah my bad forgot how good Checo has been."

Notably, Sergio Perez has not been performing at his very best in 2024. Despite driving the RB20, the Mexican driver could only manage 144 points at the end of 18 races and three Sprints and occupy P8 in the Drivers' Championship.

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What did Helmut Marko say about Daniel Ricciardo's exit?

Daniel Ricciardo of Visa Cash App RB F1 Team and Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT Source: Getty Images

Helmut Marko, the advisor to the Red Bull Racing, recently admitted that the team informed Daniel Ricciardo about his departure. They notified the Aussie that the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix was going to be his last race as a RB driver.

Here is what Dr. Marko said:

"He was informed, and the worthy farewell performance was, I think, the fastest lap. That still showed what potential he has, not continuously and not at the level that would have justified him coming to Red Bull Racing, but that was an impeccable performance."

As things stand, Daniel Ricciardo does not have any reported links with rival F1 teams and his future in the sport is still under shadows. It will be interesting to see if the man renowned for shoes hangs up his overalls or waits for another opportunity to race in the pinnacle form of motorsport.