Daniel Ricciardo Reflects on Career Amid Exit Rumors

Daniel Ricciardo has hinted that he may have raced in Formula 1 for the last time, saying he has “a good idea” about his future. The Australian, who has won eight races since his debut in 2011 expects to be replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson at Red Bull’s junior team before the Austin Grand Prix. Reflecting on his fastest lap at the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo acknowledged it could have been his final highlight in F1 describing it as a “nice way to say adios.”

Controversy arose when his fastest lap took a point from McLaren’s Lando Norris, who is in a title battle with Max Verstappen, but Ricciardo didn’t benefit Red Bull since he finished outside the top 10. Red Bull stated they wanted to give Ricciardo a memorable send-off but no official decision has emerged regarding his future. Ricciardo rejoined Red Bull as a reserve driver in 2023 after he struggled at McLaren.

He took over a race seat mid-season when the team dismissed Nyck de Vries. However, a hand injury sidelined him after two races, and Lawson stepped in for five races. Despite Red Bull’s hopes that he might regain his form, Ricciardo has struggled against teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Reflecting on his career, Ricciardo expressed pride in his achievements over 13 years, though he admitted his comeback didn’t go as planned.

Holding back tears after the Singapore race, he said, “A lot of emotions… I am aware it could be it.” Max Verstappen praised Daniel Ricciardo as a “great driver” and “great person,” recalling their friendly rivalry during their time as teammates.