Kylie Minogue seems to have virtually definitely waved the chequered flag on Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 profession.
The legendary Aussie pop singer was Formulation 1’s VIP visitor to wave the chequered flag on the finish of the Singapore Grand Prix, which is extensively anticipated to be Ricciardo’s final in F1.
But when it was, there was a little bit of a silver lining. He set the quickest lap of the race on his second-last lap, and likewise gained the fan-voted Driver of the Day.
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Ricciardo is predicted to be booted from his RB seat in favour of Liam Lawson for the rest of the season.
For a person who has eight grand prix victories to his title, Singapore was a tragic finish to what’s nonetheless been a glittering profession.
Ricciardo began sixteenth, got here dwelling 18th, and by no means appeared an opportunity to attain factors. However, he did make a 3rd pitstop with two laps remaining, and set the quickest lap of the race together with his second final tour of the Marina Bay circuit.
Midway by means of the race, he was even ordered to let teammate Yuki Tsunoda previous.
That in and of itself is not something irregular – certainly Ferrari did it throughout this race as properly – however given the circumstances, it could have been a bitter tablet to swallow.
After the race, whereas the opposite drivers had been all getting out of their automobiles, Ricciardo stayed in his, having fun with a personal second of reflection.
Talking to Sky Sports activities F1 after the race, Ricciardo appeared resigned to the very fact Singapore was his ultimate race, though he did not explicitly say as a lot.
“I do not know (if it was my final race) … I’ve to acknowledge why I got here again after the McLaren stint,” he defined.
“I at all times stated ‘I do not need to come again simply to be on the grid’. I need to attempt to combat again on the entrance and get again with Purple Bull.
“Clearly it did not come to fruition, so then I additionally need to ask myself a query. What else can I obtain? What else is there to essentially go for?
“I put my finest foot ahead. Possibly the fairytale ending did not occur, however I even have 13 or so years to look again on.
“I believe usually the Driver of the Day factor is possibly not one thing us drivers look an excessive amount of into, however right now I can say it is one thing I am appreciative of. So
“That one right now means means just a little one thing.”
The race itself was a snoozer. It was additionally the primary Singapore Grand Prix to be run with out a security automotive – there wasn’t a lot as a yellow flag – and extends the streak of races this season with out a security automotive to 9.
Lando Norris took the win from Max Verstappen, which took eight factors out of the Dutchman’s championship lead. It is right down to 51 factors with six grands prix and two dash races stay.
Norris was the holder of the quickest lap earlier than Ricciardo pinched it, and took away the world championship level that goes with it. Ricciardo does not get the purpose although, as he completed outdoors the top-10.
“If Max wins by some extent, then I simply assured myself a pleasant Christmas current,” Ricciardo stated.
Norris’ drive was a stonker. At one stage, he led Verstappen by some 30 seconds.
Piastri, who had overtaken each Mercedes on his strategy to third, was an extra 20 seconds behind Verstappen. He now sits solely eight factors behind Charles Leclerc within the battle for third within the standings.
It was a very nothing race from RB, which has struggled within the growth race for the final 4 months.
Having began inside the highest 10, Yuki Tsunoda completed twelfth.
Without end will the Ricciardo query burn: “what if he did not depart Purple Bull?”