Max Verstappen says Red Bull's handling of Daniel Ricciardo's retirement was a “disgrace” because even though the Australian knew it was his last race, he couldn't say it.

Ricciardo said goodbye to Formula 1 at the Singapore Grand Prix, although it was less a farewell than a weekend full of rumors that it was his last event with VCARB.

Max Verstappen: Daniel Ricciardo deserved a “nicer exit”.

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Blackstock

Ricciardo's future was uncertain after there were strong reports that Singapore would be his final Grand Prix as a VCARB driver. But although both the driver and his team were asked about it, neither gave a definitive answer.

However, there was plenty of evidence that he achieved the fastest lap point after qualifying and that he received a guard of honor after the race as he made his way back to the VCARB hospitality area. However, there has been no confirmation yet as the lights have been switched off at the Marina Bay circuit.

Four days later, VCARB confirmed the rumors and announced that Liam Lawson would replace Ricciardo with immediate effect, as the New Zealander's first race with VCARB would be the United States Grand Prix.

Red Bull caused a stir on social media as fans condemned the organization for failing to give Ricciardo the “deserved” farewell by delaying confirmation of his exit until four days after Singapore.

Fans claimed Red Bull had done “dirty” to the Australian and described the way he was dropped as “embarrassing”, “shocking” and “one of the worst things I have seen watching Formula 1 in over 60.” “I’ve seen it for years.”

Even Verstappen feels like it wasn't right, especially since Ricciardo knew it was his last race but couldn't say anything about it, according to the reigning world champion.

“I think it was very clear to me and to Daniel that this was the last race,” Verstappen, who was Ricciardo’s teammate at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018, told the media PlanetF1.com.

“In my opinion it could have been handled a little differently.

“Even for him, because he knew it, but he can’t say for sure. It's a bit of a shame, you know.

“He has done a lot for Formula 1. He won races. He drove incredible races. I think it deserved a nicer finish.”

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There has been much speculation about Ricciardo's departure, and the timing of reports of sponsorship deals delayed Red Bull's announcement.

However, former Red Bull driver David Coulthard claims it was actually the Honey Badger who didn't want to say anything.

Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, the Scot said: “An interesting thing – more of a rumor than I saw with my own eyes – was that he actually knew a few races ago that it was going to end in Singapore.”

“He obviously had the opportunity to make this public and he chose not to.

“I know there was a lot of negative reaction: 'Why wasn't he given this opportunity?' But I heard he was given that opportunity and decided against it.”

Ricciardo has not yet announced his plans for the future, there are rumors that he could head to NASCAR in the USA or even Supercars in Australia.

Coulthard thinks America should be his first option, saying: “I would have Daniel either in Austin or at one of the American races because it's such a great platform for him as an individual.”

“But he has a great personality, he has a voice and it will be interesting to see if it is actually used on one of the broadcasters or in Formula 1 itself, but we will see.”

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