Red Bull’s recent driver decisions have come under renewed scrutiny, with suggestions that one call has proven even more damaging than allowing Daniel Ricciardo to leave the team. The long-term consequences of that move are still being felt across the organisation.
Ricciardo’s departure marked a turning point for Red Bull, as the Australian chose to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere in Formula 1. At the time, his exit was seen as a bold but manageable change in the team’s evolving driver strategy.
However, Red Bull’s handling of subsequent driver choices has intensified debate about their long-term planning. One particular exit is now being viewed as a far more costly error, overshadowing the impact of Ricciardo’s decision to move on.
The fallout from that choice has continued to influence Red Bull’s driver line-up, contributing to instability and missed opportunities in the seasons that followed. Critics argue the team underestimated the value of continuity and experience.
As Red Bull reflect on their recent history, the lingering effects of that decision remain clear. While Ricciardo’s departure was significant, it is the later mistake that continues to haunt the team and shape discussions about their future direction in Formula 1.
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