Although the official announcement has not yet been made, it is already clear to everyone: this will probably be the last time we see Daniel Ricciardo competing in Formula 1.
As a sort of last-ditch effort, he stole the fastest lap of the race from Lando Norris, thus helping Max Verstappen in his championship fight against McLaren.
"It was a nice gesture from the team to give me another chance, one last fast lap. Unfortunately, there is a chance that this was really my last lap in F1. Actually, everyone who reads the sports media knows this, so I really appreciate the fans' love for me, choosing me as the driver of the day. Usually drivers are not affected by this vote, but this time it made me feel really emotional... And if Max becomes the world champion, it will be a nice gift for me."
But I also have to see why I came back after my time at McLaren. I always thought I didn't want to just drive in the field, I have goals, I want to fight my way back to the front. My goal was to be the first team at Red Bull. That didn't work out, so now I have to ask myself what else I can achieve, why it's still worth fighting for. I'm not disappointed because I've done everything I could throughout my career. It wasn't a fairy tale, but when I look back at everything that's happened to me in these thirteen years, I'm proud! - said Daniel Ricciardo through tears.
With Ricciardo, one of the most direct, original figures disappears from Formula 1. The writer of these lines met him on several occasions in the F1 paddock, where this Australian guy never behaved like a star, always like a human being. Although the shine of his pace has faded in the meantime, with his genuine smile, this could never happen.
I will miss you!
