Daniel Ricciardo's F1 team drops big hint with what they did in paddock after Singapore GP
Daniel Ricciardo finished the Singapore Grand Prix 18th but set the fastest lap and won Driver of the Day as fans showed their affection at what is likely to be his final F1 race
by Daniel Moxon · The MirrorDaniel Ricciardo was given a guard of honour by VCARB team staff and guests after what looks increasingly likely to be his final Formula 1 race.
There has been no official confirmation that the Singapore Grand Prix will be his last for the team. But the writing looks to be on the wall for the Australian with Red Bull set to promote reserve driver Liam Lawson to replace him.
And the team dropped a big hint that will be the case as he made his way back to team hospitality after the race. Some staff and guests lined up to give Ricciardo a guard of honour and clap and cheer him as he walked through the front door.
He smiled and stopped to give hugs and fist bumps to some of his colleagues. It was a clear sign that staff are aware that they will be working with Lawson by the time F1 touches down in Austin for next month's United States Grand Prix.
Ricciardo was emotional as he fulfilled his media duties after the race. In particular, during TV interviews with the official F1 channel, and with Sky Sports, the 35-year-old held back tears despite claiming he still doesn't know for sure whether it is over for him.
He said: "I have to acknowledge why I came back after the McLaren thing. I always said I don't want to come back just to be on the grid, I want to try to fight back at the front and get with Red Bull.
"It didn't come into fruition, so I also have to ask myself the question, 'What can I achieve? What else is there to really go for?' I put my best foot forward and maybe the fairytale ending didn't happen, but I also have to look back on what it's been, 13 or so years. I'm proud."
Ricciardo finished 18th and never looked likely to threaten the points-paying positions. But he did have an impact at the very end as he stopped for fresh soft tyres and duly set the fastest lap of the race, snatching an extra point away from Lando Norris.
It could prove to be crucial in the drivers' title race as the McLaren man chases down championship leader Max Verstappen. He is 51 points behind the Dutchman and Ricciardo admitted he hopes his former Red Bull team-mate gets the job done narrowly so he can feel like he played a key role in the outcome.
The Australian smiled as he said: "The last few laps, Pierre [Hamelin, his race engineer] asked if we should go for fastest lap. And I thought, 'Why not?" If Max wins by a point, I just guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present."
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