Daniel Ricciardo admitted that Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix could have been his final, after ending in fashion with a sizzling lap and being voted “driver of the day” by international TV viewers. The Australian self-styled “Honey Badger” got here final of the 18 finishers in his RB on the Marina Bay Circuit, however not earlier than he had managed to grab the quickest lap from race winner Lando Norris. That may show essential for former team-mate Max Verstappen’s title race as Norris had been set to seize the bonus level. Verstappen’s lead within the title race is right down to 52 factors after he got here second and he was grateful to Ricciardo and the junior Red Bull crew for stopping it being whittled additional.
“Thank you, Daniel,” Verstappen stated over crew radio after crossing the end line.
The Australian is extensively cherished as one of the crucial affable drivers within the paddock, with an infectious everlasting smile and nice sense of humour.
“If Max wins (the title) by a point, then I just guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present,” he joked after the race.
Ricciardo, who received eight GPs in 13 years on the grid, will probably be missed.
He launched Aussie tradition, within the type of the “Shoey”, to the rostrum as he guzzled champagne from his sweaty racing boot after every of his wins.
Ricciardo bows out with 32 podium appearances throughout stints with Toro Rosso (later AlphaTauri and now RB), Red Bull, Renault and McLaren, scoring 1,329 factors.
“Typically the driver of the day thing is maybe not something us drivers look too much into,” stated an emotional Ricciardo.
“But today I can say it’s something I’m appreciative of. So that one means a little something.
“Let’s say possibly the fairytale ending did not occur, however I additionally should look again on what’s been 13 or so years and I’m proud.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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