Daniel Ricciardo Contemplates Formula One Exit After Leaving Lasting Impact

Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap in Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix and was voted Driver of the Day, yet he acknowledged that it might have been his final race in Formula One. With speculation swirling about his future, Ricciardo reflected on his career and felt at peace with the potential conclusion.

Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap of Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix and was voted Driver of the Day, but he acknowledged that it might have been his last race in Formula One.

The eight-time grand prix winner, popular among fans especially those who follow the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive', finished 18th for Red Bull-owned RB and was lapped by McLaren's race winner Lando Norris. Speculation about Ricciardo's future has long been rife, with reports suggesting he will be replaced by New Zealand's Liam Lawson in Austin, Texas.

Ricciardo did little to quash the rumors in post-race interviews, speaking like someone who knew what was next. When asked by Sky Sports if time was up, he replied, "Possibly, you know. It's been a race-by-race situation, and I would have loved the weekend to have gone better. It didn't, so I have to be prepared for, yeah, this may be it."

Despite the uncertainty, Ricciardo reflected on his career with a sense of peace. "I do feel at peace with it," he said. "I tried to get back into Red Bull, it didn't work out. So I have to ask myself, what else am I trying to achieve? Fighting for a P10 can only go on for so long."

His career had highs and lows, from being the teammate of now-triple champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull to stints with Renault and McLaren. Ricciardo was given a lifeline by RB last season, hoping to return to Red Bull in place of Sergio Perez, but his results were inconsistent.

"I had moments of maybe greatness this year, but it was difficult to be consistent," he admitted. "If this is it, I'll give myself time to figure out what's next, maybe something different like climbing mountains."

Ricciardo's fastest lap took a point from Norris, who had been quickest until then, hoping it guaranteed a festive reward if Verstappen wins the title by that margin. Reflecting on his career, Ricciardo said, "Let's say maybe the fairytale ending didn't happen, but I also look back on what has been 13 or so years, and I'm proud."

"The Driver of the Day award is maybe something we drivers don't usually value much, but today it means a little something," he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)