Daniel Ricciardo gave a heart-wrenching exit speech after what could be his final Formula 1 race at the Singapore Grand Prix. The eight-time Grand Prix winner struggled throughout the weekend, capping off a tough night with a P18 finish.
In an emotional post-race interview, Ricciardo, visibly tearful, acknowledged that this race may very well mark the end of his F1 career. Following a second consecutive Q1 exit, Ricciardo began the Singapore race from P16, hoping for a strategic miracle that never came.
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Despite starting on soft tyres and hoping to capitalise on a potential Safety Car, no such opportunity arose. As the race went on, he found himself battling at the back, and his RB team pulled him in for fresh soft tyres toward the end. This allowed him to snatch the fastest lap point away from race winner Lando Norris in a last-ditch effort to aid Max Verstappen’s title bid. But the bittersweet move did little to lift Ricciardo’s spirits as he crossed the line, far from where he would’ve liked to be.
Reflecting on the race, Ricciardo admitted, “A tough race. Any time you’re out in Q1, you know you’ve got potentially a long day. I had to try something with strategy, and you never know here with the Safety Car, it could work in your favour… Ultimately, we just weren’t quick enough.”
But it wasn’t just the race that weighed heavy on Ricciardo’s mind. With rumours swirling that he could be replaced by Liam Lawson for the final races of 2024, Ricciardo gave his most candid hint yet that his time in F1 might be over. “It was maybe just to have one last crack at doing a fast one, if it is to be it.”
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When pressed further, Ricciardo admitted, “Possibly, I have to acknowledge that.” He said he was at peace with the potential end of his F1 career, reflecting on his 14-year journey. “At some point, it’ll come for all of us,” he added, acknowledging that the competitive edge might have shifted as he neared 35 years old.
After a grueling 62-lap race, he was spotted lingering in the cockpit of his RB, tearing up in what could be his final moments in the car. With 257 starts under his belt, Ricciardo’s love for the sport was palpable, even if it might be time to say goodbye. “I just wanted to savor the moment,” he said, wiping away tears.
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