Daniel Ricciardo suggests his time in F1 may be over, having played a pivotal role in Verstappen’s championship bid.
Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about his F1 future following the Singapore Grand Prix, where emotions ran high amidst rumours that he is set to lose his RB F1 seat for the remainder of the season to Liam Lawson.
He was initially questioned about the sole controversy of the race: RB F1 tasked Ricciardo with securing the fastest lap towards the end of the race to snatch a point from Lando Norris, thus aiding Max Verstappen in the championship.
“It wasn’t a good race, it wasn’t great, but I take securing the fastest lap as a bold move. And if it helps Max win the title by a point, I hope he’ll give me a nice Christmas present.”
So, was Singapore Ricciardo’s final F1 race? He was visibly moved and hesitant in his response, but left little room for doubt.
“I must also acknowledge why I returned after my stint with McLaren. I’ve always said I didn’t want to come back just to be on the grid, I want to try and fight at the front and return with Red Bull.”
“Clearly, it hasn’t worked out, so I must also ask myself, ‘Well, what else can I achieve, and what more can we really do?’ I’ve done my best, let’s say the fairy tale hasn’t ended, but I also need to look back and see what it has been. About thirteen years in F1 and I’m proud.”
Ricciardo was voted Driver of the Day by fans, likely aware of the fate awaiting the Australian.
“Generally, Driver of the Day isn’t something we, as drivers, focus on too much, but today I can say it’s something I’m grateful for. Today’s means something.”
Is he now awaiting the final blow from his bosses?
“I must prepare myself for it to happen. Let’s say I am at peace with it.”
However, when asked why he waited a few seconds in his car before exiting, the Australian responded in a way that nearly ended in tears, leaving little doubt about his fate.
“There were a lot of emotions. I’m aware that it could all be over. I think I was also exhausted after the race, so it was an overflow of all that. The cockpit is something I had become accustomed to over many years, and I wanted to savor the moment.”
Although Ricciardo finished 18th and last on the track in this race due to a final stop for the fastest lap, Yuki Tsunoda was closer to the points zone, finishing 12th.
“I’m very frustrated by the start. It’s mainly against myself because my launch was poor, but something didn’t seem right, and I need to make better starts.”
“The stint on softs was quite good, the mediums were not. In that position, you have to hope for a safety car, and the race was largely clean, unfortunately. That start clearly set me back.”
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Ricciardo Implies End of F1 Career, Boosts Verstappen Ricciardo Implies End of F1 Career, Boosts Verstappen
