Daniel Ricciardo was fighting back tears in his post-race interview at the Singapore Grand Prix. The popular Aussie may have completed his final race in F1 with Liam Lawson expected to replace him for the United States Grand Prix onwards.
The former Red Bull and Renault star was classified down in P18 but helped out former team-mate Max Verstappen by snatching the fastest lap point away from Lando Norris at the end of the race.
Ricciardo’s rapid lap around the Marina Bay Street Circuit had the feel of a farewell tour, and an announcement is expected ahead of the trip to Texas confirming his departure from VCARB.
Speaking to F1 TV after the Singapore GP, Ricciardo started to get choked up. He said: “A lot of emotions because… look, I’m aware it could be it, and I think it’s also… [I’m] just exhausted after the race.
“So there’s so much, like a flood of many emotions and feelings and exhaustion and yeah… the cockpit is something that I got very used to for many years and yeah, just wanted to savour the moment.”
Ricciardo was also emotional when assessing his future with Sky Sports F1. “I put my best foot forward, let’s say the fairytale ending didn’t happen but I also have to look back on what it’s been,” he explained. “Thirteen or so years and I’m proud.
“Typically the driver of the day is not something us drivers look too much into, but today I can say it’s something I’m appreciative of. That one today means a little something.”
If VCARB do decide to make a change after the Singapore GP weekend wraps up then it will put Sergio Perez under pressure for the final six races.
The Mexican racer finished a concerning tenth on Sunday and hasn’t finished higher than P6 in his last 12 races. If Lawson does impress in a six-race stint, he could rapidly emerge as a potential replacement for Perez for the 2025 campaign.
