Daniel Ricciardo Reflects on Possible End of F1 Career

Daniel Ricciardo has hinted that he may have competed in his final Formula 1 race, citing a "good idea" that his F1 career could be coming to an end, BBC reported. The Australian, who has secured eight race victories since his debut in 2011, is likely to be replaced at Red Bull’s RB team by reserve driver Liam Lawson before the next race in Austin, Texas.

During the Singapore Grand Prix, where he set the fastest lap despite finishing last, Ricciardo, in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, suggested it might have been his final hurrah, stating: "Possibly, possibly, yeah. So if it is, I guess a nice way to say adios." This fastest lap sparked some controversy as it took a point from McLaren’s Lando Norris, who won the race and is vying for a title against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. It didn’t help RB in the championship either, as points are only awarded for the fastest lap if the driver finishes in the top ten.

Regarding his pit stop for fresh tires at the end of the race, an RB spokesperson said: "If it was to be his last race, we wanted him to go out on a high." The team, however, remains unsure whether a decision has been made about Ricciardo’s future, which will be decided by Red Bull management led by team principal Christian Horner and motorsport adviser Helmut Marko.

Ricciardo mentioned that his contribution "could help Max out by Abu Dhabi, so maybe there's a Christmas present coming if he wins by a point." Verstappen, who shared a team with Ricciardo at Red Bull from 2016-2018, praised him, saying, "He’s a great guy. We always had a great relationship and a sporty rivalry in the team. In a few years’ time when I won't be here anymore, we will sit back and have a beer and remember all those years together."

After leaving Red Bull for Renault at the end of 2018, Ricciardo competed for two seasons with the French team before moving to McLaren in 2021, where he struggled against teammate Norris. He was released a year before the end of his contract after the 2022 season and secured a role as Red Bull reserve for 2023. He returned to a race seat midway through the season, replacing Dutchman Nyck de Vries. Unfortunately, Ricciardo broke his hand two races into his return and was replaced by Lawson for five events.

Red Bull hoped that by bringing Ricciardo back, he might recover his previous form and potentially replace Sergio Perez as Verstappen’s teammate. However, he has often been outperformed by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

Reflecting on his career, Ricciardo told Sky Sports: "I have to acknowledge why I came back after the McLaren stint and I always said I didn't want to come back just to be on the grid - I wanted to fight at the front and get back with Red Bull. It didn't come to fruition. I also have to ask myself what else could I achieve and what else is there to really go for? I put my best foot forward and maybe the fairytale ending didn't happen, but I also have to look back on what it's been, 13 or so years. I'm proud."

Emotional after the race, Ricciardo explained: "A lot of emotions. I am aware it could be it. Just exhausted after the race, so a flood of emotions and feelings and exhaustion. The cockpit is something I got very used to for many years. Just wanted to savor the moment."

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