Daniel Ricciardo and his RB Formula One team knew he was leaving before last month’s Singapore Grand Prix. Principal Laurent Mekies said on Friday that having to act like he wasn’t going was “not ideal.”

The Australian didn’t want to answer questions about his possible exit and replacement by New Zealander Liam Lawson for this weekend’s U.S. Grand Prix for most of the weekend.

Some media in Austin asked Mekies why 35-year-old Ricciardo wasn’t given a fair chance to say goodbye. He said that the eight-time race winner’s exit could have been handled better.

The Frenchman said, “It was frustrating, and yes, you’re right, it wasn’t ideal to go through the weekend that way, both professionally and personally for him and for the whole team around him.”

“Yes, Daniel knew.” We did talk about things before the weekend. We both agreed that we wouldn’t tell anyone about that weekend for a number of reasons. After that, we had to deal with it.

“We may or may not have made a different choice now that we look back,” he said.

It was reported that Ricciardo would be leaving on September 26, four days after the Singapore race.

This week, the Australian was seen wearing a cap that said “I’m retired” in a picture on the Instagram account of Adam Cianciarulo, a friend and former motorcycle rider. “Having fun is my job” on it.

Mekies said that the team and fans had still found a way to show their love for Ricciardo, who is known for being one of the most popular drivers in Formula One and having a happy, positive attitude.

“I hope I can say that the love and support we felt that weekend was truly amazing, and that it shows that he’s more than just an F1 driver,” he said.