Ricciardo's Hint at Conclusion with Red Bull Racing

Daniel Ricciardo has dropped a significant hint that his time with Red Bull Racing might be nearing its conclusion. Following a disappointing performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished last, he expressed his desire not to indulge in a "sad story" as his potential exit from Formula 1 draws near.

Future with Red Bull and Liam Lawson's Potential Seat

With only six rounds remaining in the season, Red Bull is reportedly considering giving Liam Lawson a full-time seat for the 2025 season, which raises the question of whether Ricciardo will find himself sidelined. However, insiders suggest that even if he is benched, Ricciardo may still remain part of the team's driver pool, leaving the door slightly ajar for a future return to the sport.

Performance at the Singapore Grand Prix

The Australian's performance at the Marina Bay Street Circuit certainly didn’t bolster his case for staying in the car. Qualifying P16 and concluding the race in P18 meant that he was at the back of the pack, though he did manage to post the fastest lap, a small victory that aided both Max Verstappen and Red Bull in their championship chase.

Ricciardo Reflects on His Career

Reflecting on his career, Ricciardo shared with Viaplay, "I don't want to say it's sad news or anything. I’m very grateful for my journey, having competed for over 250 races. If this is it, I’ve had a lot of fun."

Cryptic Response About Future Races

When asked about the likelihood of racing in Austin, he cryptically replied, “There's a chance you will not, but let's see. Texas is my home away from home, so you never know.” He expects that a decision from Red Bull will arrive soon but emphasized that the conclusion of the Singapore weekend likely means things won't drag on for long.

Mixed Emotions on Career's Conclusion

As a seasoned driver, Ricciardo expressed a mix of relief and pride regarding his career. With eight Grand Prix victories under his belt, he remains one of the sport's most beloved figures, partially thanks to his prominent role in the Netflix series *Drive to Survive*, which dramatically increased the sport's global appeal.

Proud of Achievements and Looking Ahead

“I returned to F1 after my time with McLaren to try to get back to the top and fight for wins with Red Bull. While that hasn't fully materialized, I’ve given it my all, and that's okay,” he said. “F1 is demanding and physical, so when the day comes that it’s all over, there will be a mix of sadness and relief. But ultimately, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.”

Awaiting Official Decision from Red Bull

As fans await the official word from Red Bull, one question lingers: is this the last chapter of Ricciardo’s remarkable F1 journey, or could he make a surprising return? Stay tuned!