Daniel Ricciardo, one of Formula 1’s most beloved figures, found himself at the center of controversy following the Singapore Grand Prix. The Australian driver, who has been linked to a departure from Red Bull and the VCARB team, was dealt what many fans and insiders are calling an unfair hand. The accusations surfaced after the race on Sunday, sparking debates over whether Red Bull had truly “done Ricciardo dirty.”

For Ricciardo, the Singapore Grand Prix wasn’t just another race; it was potentially his last significant outing in Formula 1. The VCARB driver, known for his charisma and late-braking moves, had hoped for a memorable finish. Instead, things didn’t go as planned, and what followed has left fans questioning Red Bull’s treatment of their outgoing driver.

The accusations center around Red Bull’s alleged strategic mishandling of Ricciardo’s race, leaving him at a disadvantage during critical moments. Fans pointed to key decisions—like tire strategy and pit stop timings—that may have cost Ricciardo a better result. While Red Bull insists their decisions were based purely on race dynamics, the optics of the situation tell a different story. Many are left wondering if the team’s focus has already shifted away from Ricciardo, given his impending departure.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ricciardo himself seemed visibly disheartened following the race. Despite his usual upbeat demeanor, the Australian appeared reluctant to leave the F1 paddock, taking his time to soak in the atmosphere and bid farewell to the team and fans. In post-race interviews, he expressed frustration with how things unfolded but stopped short of outright criticizing Red Bull.

“I don’t want to go out like this,” Ricciardo said, his voice tinged with disappointment. “It’s been a tough year, but I’ve always fought hard. Today wasn’t what I hoped for.”

The sentiment resonated with his legion of fans, who took to social media to express their frustration with Red Bull’s handling of Ricciardo’s final races. The hashtag #RicciardoDeservesBetter quickly began trending, with supporters rallying behind the idea that the Australian deserved more from his long-time team. 

For Red Bull, the accusations could be a PR headache. As one of F1’s powerhouse teams, their decisions are scrutinized, and the notion that they may have sidelined a driver of Ricciardo’s caliber doesn’t sit well with many. However, team representatives have been quick to refute the claims, insisting that all decisions were made in the interest of maximizing results.

“We respect Daniel immensely and have always had his best interests at heart,” said a Red Bull spokesperson. “Unfortunately, in Formula 1, things don’t always go to plan, and today was one of those days.”

As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Ricciardo’s future will unfold. For now, the outgoing VCARB driver seems conflicted, reluctant to walk away from a sport he has called home for over a decade. Despite the disappointment in Singapore, his legacy in F1 remains intact, but the question lingers: Did Red Bull really do him dirty? For fans of Ricciardo, the hope is that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of the Honey Badger.