Following the Singapore Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo is in a happier place and more at peace compared to 2022 exit
The Singapore Grand Prix will be known for Lando Norris’ astonishing display of dominance. But as the Woking-based team celebrates, a sadder story is the talk of the paddock.
Having been voted the fan’s driver of the day, the sport may be saying goodbye to one of its biggest personalities. After 258 Formula One Grand Prix entries, Daniel Ricciardo may be hanging up his helmet for good.
In the lead-up to the Singapore Grand Prix, there were already heavy rumours that the 2023 super-sub, Liam Lawson, could replace the Aussie. Following the race, BBC Radio 5 Live asked the eight-time racer winner if that was the last dance. He responded:
“Possibly, possibly, yeah. So, if it is, I guess [it’s] a nice way to say adios [securing the fastest lap]. I am not too sure what the plan is, but I mean, look, I’ve obviously got a good idea.”
After the race, an RB spokesperson explained the fastest lap strategy call saying that the team “wanted him to go out on a high,” if it was to be his last Grand Prix. Of course, this isn’t the first time that Ricciardo’s future in the sport has been under threat. After a turbulent time at McLaren, which came to an end in 2022, he was said to be finished. But the Aussie admitted to Motorsport.com that he is in a better place now compared to back then, saying:
“I tried to obviously enjoy it [the Singapore Grand Prix weekend], a little bit like the end of ’22 with McLaren. Obviously, I was aware maybe that was my last race, so I tried to enjoy that. I think I’m in a much happier place now in the sport than I was then. So, if this is it, let’s say I have a little bit more peace and I’m proud of the career.”
The RB driver gave several emotional interviews following the race. He was even reported to be the final driver to leave the Singapore paddock.
And with that he was gone…
Photo: @KymIllman #SingaporeGP #F1 https://t.co/j2DL5bRLMH pic.twitter.com/BVczBdnY31
— FormulaNerds ?? (@Formula_Nerds) September 22, 2024
Max Verstappen gives a touching tribute to his former teammate
Ricciardo wasn’t the only emotional figure in the paddock following the race. The Aussie received a guard of honour as he returned to his team’s hospitality area after speaking with the press.
Quite the reception for Danny Ric back at RB ??#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/yn39km1ba2
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 22, 2024
Even in the media pen, his former Red Bull teammate Verstappen spoke fondly of the Aussie, telling Sky Sports F1:
“Daniel and I, we go, of course, a long time, a way back. We have always had a great relationship, great friendship, [and] a lot of respect for each other as well. He’s just a great guy, you know. I get on well [with him], it just clicks. There is no fake person, we just get along and easy going, we’re like that.”
He continued, “He will, for sure, be remembered as a very fast driver. I think everyone knows that, but also as a great guy in the paddock.”
Verstappen repeated the same sentiments to BBC Sport, but went on to add:
“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.”
If Singapore were the final curtain call, Ricciardo has already written himself into the F1 history books. The Aussie has stood on 32 podiums, on eight of those occasions as a race winner, and has secured an incredible 1329 world championship points. He was a brilliant racer on the track and one of the best paddock personalities off it.
Feature Image Credit: @visacashapprb on X