Daniel Ricciardo Ends F1 Career with Fastest Lap in Singapore Finale

Drumil Modi, Pune

The Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain due to his underwhelming performance over the years. The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix marks his last Formula 1 race. Starting 16^th on the grid, Ricciardo managed to set the fastest lap on the penultimate lap of the race, despite finishing 18^th overall. Due to this spectral leap, McLaren’s Lando Norris could not secure his fastest lap bonus point. By securing the fastest lap, Ricciardo without his knowledge assisted his former teammate Max Verstappen to maintain a strong lead in the championship.

The journey for Daniel Ricciardo comes to a sour end after 13 years, 8 wins and 258 races. The Australian driver has raced for multiple different teams in his Formula 1 career. He made his debut in 2011 with Hispania Racing Team, in 2012 he secured a seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso after spending two years in the team and showing his raw talent he was moved to the Red Bull Racing team in the year 2014. After spending five years with Red Bull, he moved to Renault for the 2019 season. In 2021 he was signed by McLaren alongside Lando Norris to expand his expertise. 

Ricciardo’s movie to McLaren did not go as planned, his performance cost the team 4^th position in the constructor’s championship, which led to the team trying to get Ricciardo out of his contract a year earlier. Ricciardo was then signed as a reserve driver for Red Bull and later was on board with the Visa Cash App RB team. 

As his career as a Formula 1 driver comes to an end, many in the motorsport community reflect on his contributions to the sport. His journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, marked by his infectious smile and unwavering determination. His journey is also the perfect example of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and the challenges drivers face.

While the Singapore Grand Prix mark the end of an era for Ricciardo, his legacy at the top of motorsport is secure. Whether he comes back to the sport in future or moves to another motorsport is anyone’s guess.