How Not to Say Goodbye - Lessons from VCARB’s handling of Daniel Ricciardo’s Exit

Formula 1 is a high-stakes, high-speed circus that lives and breathes drama. It’s where drivers become legends, teams rise and fall, and, every so often, a PR disaster comes along to remind us all how not to handle a situation.

Cue Visa Cash App RB F1 Team ((bleh! so many words for one team - Credit Card Team, I'm going with that) and how they handled (royally botched?) Daniel Ricciardo 's departure — a masterclass in how to fumble an exit.

This is not an argument for keeping Ricciardo on the grid. We all know that, like in any competitive arena, tough decisions have to be made. But there’s a right way to handle a farewell and a wrong way.

And, well, let’s just say Red Bull missed the mark—by miles.

The Art of Saying Goodbye (Or Not)

Daniel Ricciardo isn't just any driver. He's the guy with a megawatt smile, a personality that fills a room (and paddock), and a talent that's delivered everything from heart-stopping overtakes to champagne-soaked victories (and shoes).

So, when the murmurs through the paddock broke that he was parting ways with VCARB, the silence from the team was deafening. (Probably the worst kept secret in Formula 1 since Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team announced their signing of Andrea Kimi Antonelli —maybe VCARB could learn a thing or two from Aston Martin F1 Team ?)

No grand send-off, no tributes, not even a symbolic "thanks for the memories, mate" on Instagram. Just... nothing. This isn't how you say goodbye to someone who's given their heart and soul—not to mention was instrumental in bringing on board the title sponsor—to your team. It's like throwing a surprise party where the guest of honour is, well, not invited.

Why Communication (and Decency) Matters

In Formula 1, where the line between hero and scapegoat can be as thin as a pit-stop miscue, communication is key. You can't just boot one of the sport's most recognizable faces without addressing the elephant in the room—or, in this case, the honey badger. Ricciardo's exit wasn't just any old driver swap; it was a moment that could've been handled with a bit of class, a dash of transparency, and maybe a farewell meme or two. (I do love me my memes)

By staying silent, VCARB didn't just mishandle Ricciardo's departure—they mishandled their relationship with the F1 community at large. Fans, who have followed Ricciardo through highs and lows, deserved more. The other drivers, who share the paddock with him, probably raised an eyebrow or two as well.

And then there's the broader business of it all. VCARB are in the business of racing, yes, but they're also in the business of people. Forgetting that can hurt more than just your reputation—it can damage the very core of your brand.

The Ripple Effect

Here's the thing; F1 fans have long memories. You botch an exit like this, and it sticks. Drivers, fans, sponsors—they all take notice. Ricciardo may not have had his most successful seasons in recent years, but his charisma and connection with fans transcend results on the track. How you treat people—especially those who've given so much to your team (errr…title sponsor ring any bells)—matters.

Right now, VCARB are being seen as the cold, calculating team that yeeted Ricciardo out the door. It's like breaking up via text, but worse—because you're breaking up with someone everyone loves. And in the world of sports, perception is everything.

Could have, Should have - DIDN'T

So, what should have happened instead? It's simple - open, honest communication.

Ricciardo's exit could have been framed as a mutually respectful decision—after all, we get it, Formula 1 is cutthroat. A thoughtful statement from the team, a thank you video montage (come on, it's 2024!), and a little behind-the-scenes content acknowledging the memories would have gone a long way.

A nod to Ricciardo's contributions, a tip of the hat to his future endeavours (even if they're in the broadcast booth), and a clear narrative about why this was the best decision for both parties—these small gestures would've shown that VCARB understands the human side of the sport. Because, let's face it, when you're playing on a global stage, your brand is built not just on speed but on how you handle the people driving your cars.

A Lesson in PR and People

VCARB will move forward. They'll sign new talent, chase podiums (maybe), and keep rolling. But how this saga unfolded is a stark reminder that, in Formula 1, how you say goodbye is just as important as the wins you stack up. Fans are more engaged than ever, and in a world where every misstep is magnified by social media, silence can be more damaging than a bad race weekend.

Final Thought

Daniel Ricciardo's departure is a lesson for every team, every brand, and anyone who's ever had to say goodbye. It's not about how fast you move on but about how well you handle the people who helped you along the way. In a sport that thrives on precision, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (ugh..that team name, though!) would do well to remember that sometimes, the most important moves aren't made on the track—they're made behind the scenes with a handshake, a thank you, and a bit of decency.