Red Bull Hints at Ricciardo’s F1 Farewell with Strategic Fastest Lap in Singapore

Red Bull suggests Daniel Ricciardo is unlikely to come back, explaining their decision to let him attempt the fastest lap in Singapore. The team stated that they aimed to provide Ricciardo with the opportunity to "finish on a high note with the fastest lap" in the race.

Red Bull has suggested that Daniel Ricciardo might have competed in his final Formula 1 race for the team at the Singapore Grand Prix.

It is anticipated that the Australian will be substituted by reserve driver Liam Lawson at Red Bull’s affiliate team before the upcoming race in Austin.

Red Bull brought Ricciardo into the pits towards the end of the race to equip him with new soft tires, enabling him to achieve the fastest lap. This move seems to have been a farewell gesture for the 35-year-old in Formula 1, as he finished in 18th and last place.

The quickest lap snatched a point from Lando Norris and McLaren, benefiting Max Verstappen and Red Bull's championship efforts.

RB team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged in the team’s statement after the race that Singapore "could have been Daniel’s final race".

"We needed a Safety Car chance for Daniel to rejoin the battle for points since he started from a further position," Mekies stated.

"Dan began the race with an aggressive approach by starting on Soft tires and delivered some impressive laps throughout. However, it was nearly impossible for him to regain strong positions from such a disadvantageous starting point. Despite this, he remained determined and battled throughout the entire race."

"Since this might have been Daniel's final race, we aimed to provide him the opportunity to enjoy it and finish with the fastest lap."

The final decision regarding Ricciardo's future rests with Red Bull's senior leadership, comprising team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko.

After the Singapore race, Ricciardo seemed to accept that his Formula 1 career had come to an end.

When questioned about if the Singapore Grand Prix could have been his final race, Ricciardo responded, “It’s possible, and I need to accept that."

"It's been somewhat of a race-to-race scenario, and I certainly wish the weekend had turned out more favorably. Since it didn't, I need to be ready for the possibility that this might be the end."

"I would say I feel a sense of peace about it. Eventually, it happens to everyone… I also made an attempt to return to Red Bull, but it didn’t pan out, so I had to ask myself, 'What am I really aiming for here?'… The perfect ending might not have come true, but I need to reflect on what has transpired. Around fourteen years, and I am proud of that."

"Once you've tasted victory, the drive to compete for a 10th place finish only lasts so long. There's no other feeling like winning, and if that's no longer achievable, if it becomes more difficult – that's the reality: I managed to have some standout moments this year, but consistently performing at that level was more challenging. Maybe it's because I'm 35 now, or maybe it's because the competition keeps improving. Who can say for sure?"

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