Ex-NASCAR racer Danica Patrick has sparked outrage with fans of F1 star Daniel Ricciardo with a controversial comment about the popular Aussie’s career.
Ricciardo, 34, watched on as his AlphaTauri replacement Liam Lawson knocked out Max Verstappen to get into a top ten shootout in his third Formula 1 qualifying session on debut at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The Kiwi driver has arrived at the Singapore GP with great confidence following excellent performances in the Dutch and Italian Grand Prix.
Some fans have suggested that Lawson should take Riccardo’s seat permanently, as the Aussie battles back from seven fractures to his left hand after a crash at the Dutch GP.
American racing icon and Sky Sports pundit Danica Patrick enraged Ricciardo fans when discussing the situation at AlphaTauri.
Former pro driver Danica Patrick upset Ricciardo fans with her comment
Daniel Ricciardo, who is currently injured, watched on as his replacement Liam Lawson performed impressively at the Singapore Grand Prix
‘Daniel Ricciardo is obviously at the end of his career,’ said Patrick.
Supporters of Ricciardo jumped on the comment and took to social media to express their anger.
”Daniel Ricciardo is obviously at the end of his career’ what if u shut tf up danica, how about that,’ wrote one fan on X.
‘Danica got no opinion I’ve ever agreed with. Danny is thriving, injuring your hand doesn’t mean your career is over!?’ said another.
‘Can you believe Danica Patrick just said Daniel Ricciardo is at the end of his career?’ posted a third.
‘Yeah, the gall of her to say that. Someone needs to remind her how she effed up her own career and faded to the backfield quickly,’ said another.
Sky Sports commentator Ted Kravitz joked that in light of Lawson’s impressive recent performances Ricciardo wouldn’t be making the mistake of breaking his hand again.
Kravitz also said he witnessed Red Bull boss Christian Horner having a ‘very interesting meeting’ with the boss of AlphaTauri.
Danica got no opinion I’ve ever agreed with. Danny is thriving, injuring your hand doesn’t mean your career is over!? ?
— Rory ˃̵ᴗ˂̵ ✨semi IA: Zine Stuff! ? (@crossmyhart_x) September 16, 2023
“daniel ricciardo is obviously at the end of his career” what if u shut tf up danica, how about that
— bella³ (@danielshoey) September 16, 2023
Lawson has also had excellent performances in the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says that Ricciardo’s return after his injury is ‘complicated’
‘It could be about anything, but I’m going to wonder it’s going to be about what you do with Liam Lawson, who is obviously a little star,’ Kravitz said.
‘Whether they keep him in the car long-term and they partner him up with Daniel Ricciardo and what you do with Yuki Tsunoda. They have an embarrassment of riches because Liam Lawson has done great since he made his Formula 1 debut.’
Meanwhile, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says that Ricciardo’s return after his injury is ‘complicated’.
‘It’s complicated. There are seven fractures. The same doctor who operated on [MotoGP rider] Marc Marquez is taking care of him,’ Marko said on Servus TV.
‘We are expecting a six-week break and have brought in a top replacement in Liam Lawson.
‘We don’t want to take any risks.’
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