Daniel Ricciardo’s farewell speech at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix has marked a poignant chapter in the annals of Formula 1 potentially signaling the end of an era for one of the sport’s most charismatic and talented drivers.
As the VCARB driver crossed the finish line in P18, the reality of his situation became increasingly apparent with many fans and pundits speculating that this could be his final appearance in the sport he has graced for over a decade.
This comes amid rumors circulating Ricciardo will be replaced by Liam Lawson for the upcoming races as well as 2025 season, marking an emotional ‘bitter sweet’ end to his F1 career.
Known for his infectious smile and spirited personality, the ‘honey badger’ has captivated audiences not only with his remarkable skill on the track but also with his engaging presence off it.
However, the Singapore Grand Prix which was held under the vibrant lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit proved to be an uphill battle for Ricciardo.
The Aussie faced an uphill battle throughout the race after a disappointing qualifying session that saw him exit Q1 and start from P16. Despite his best efforts to implement an alternative strategy, he struggled to make any headway and ultimately finished towards the back of the field.
However, in a bittersweet twist Ricciardo managed to secure the fastest lap of the race, showcasing his enduring talent while simultaneously aiding his former teammate Max Verstappen’s championship campaign by denying Lando Norris an additional point.
Fans rallied around Ricciardo after the race, voting him as “Driver of the Day” despite his less-than-stellar finish. It served as a testament to how much he has meant to fans around the world—his infectious enthusiasm and competitive spirit have left an indelible mark on Formula 1 history.
The Post-race interview revealed what could be an emotional Daniel Ricciardo’s farewell speech as the seasoned driver reflected on his career and the uncertainties that lay ahead.
The physical demands of the race had taken their toll on him, leading to what he described as “a flood of emotions and feelings.” His demeanor suggested a man coming to terms with a significant chapter of his life potentially closing as he took time to savor his final moments in the cockpit.
“A lot of emotions because I’m aware it could be it and yeah just exhausted after the race so it’s a flood of many emotions and feelings and exhaustion,” Ricciardo told F1 media.
“The cockpit is something that I got very used to for many years and yeah just wanting to savour the moment,” he said, trying to hold back the tears.
Ricciardo’s F1 career has been marked by both highs and lows. After returning to Red Bull midway through the 2023 season following a stint with McLaren, he had hoped to reclaim his former glory.
When asked about his future prospects, Ricciardo expressed a mixture of pride in his career to date and readiness in case the time comes for him to step down acknowledging that “maybe the fairy tale ending didn’t happen”.
“Look, obviously, there’s a realistic chance that it’s not going to happen,” he admitted to reporters at the Singapore Grand Prix when asked if he will race in Austin. “I think, obviously, it’s been a very race-by-race situation with Red Bull, for all of us, in a way, obviously Checo [Perez] as well.
“At times, it feels like it’s going one way, then it goes the other. Obviously, there was a lot of emphasis on this weekend, and I would have loved a better weekend, and who knows if that would have changed anything, or if the decision’s been made already, even prior to the weekend, you know what I mean?
“So, I’m obviously prepared for it, and that’s why I think, over the weekend, I just tried to acknowledge a few things as well with myself, and I think acknowledged also why I came back into the sport.
“You know, sometimes you’ve got to see the big picture, and I always said I don’t just want to be a guy that’s here on the grid and fighting for a point every now and then, which has kind of been how this year’s gone.
“But obviously this year, the purpose was to try and then do good enough to get back into Red Bull, and obviously fight for wins again and see if I’ve still got it.
“Yeah, I feel like obviously I came up short with that. So, I think then it’s, ‘okay, what else am I fighting for here? What else is going to give me fulfillment?’ I’ve been a young driver as well, and at some point, I don’t just want to take up space also, but obviously you have to be selfish.
“But I think for me, if I’m not able to then fight at the front with Red Bull, then, as I said, I have to ask myself, ‘what am I staying on the grid for?’ So that’s something I’ve also come to peace with.
“I tried to obviously enjoy it, you know, a little bit like the end of ’22 with McLaren but I was aware maybe that was my last race, so I tried to enjoy that and I think I’m in a much happier place now in the sport than I was then.
“So if this is it, let’s say I have a little bit more peace, and I’m proud of the career. Obviously, I tried to become World Champion. I tried to become the best at something in the world.
“I think it is a tall task that we ask from ourselves, and obviously, some achieve it, some don’t. In the end, if I came up a little short, I also can’t be too hard on myself.
“I’m happy with the effort I put in, and I think for that, there’s no sadness or feeling of regret or what could have been. I think I put my best foot forward.”
While no official announcements have been made by RB or Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo’s farewell speech suggests Liam Lawson is set to be confirmed soon.
