In some sad news for Ricciard-hoes around the world, it’s looking like Daniel Ricciardo‘s F1 career may be coming to an end after the Singapore Grand Prix. But after 13 years behind the wheel of the fastest cars in the world, he says he’s “at peace” with what he’s achieved.
At the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, Ricciardo came in 18th place landing no points for his team Visa Cash App RB.
As it stands, there’s a lot on the line for Ricciardo. There are only two seats left for the 2025 Formula 1 season — his current spot at RB and a seat at Sauber.
Ricciardo has made it clear that he’s been gunning to get back to his OG team Red Bull ever since he left McLaren at the end of the 2022 season. But although there are whispers that Sergio Perez‘s seat with Red Bull could be up for grabs if he continues underperforming, he’s technically signed on for 2025, making Ricciardo’s Red Bull seat dreams look particularly unlikely.
And thanks to Ricciardo’s latest bad result — along with a less-than-optimal season altogether — there are rumours that he could be replaced for the rest of the season by Kiwi driver Liam Lawson. If these whispers are true, Ricciardo may have already driven his last race as a primary driver in the F1.
When asked whether Singapore could be his last race, an emotional Ricciardo admitted that his future in the sport did seem precarious.
“A lot of emotions because I’m aware it could be it. Also exhaustion after the race so just a flood of many emotions,” he told reporters.
“The cockpit is something that I got very used to for many years and I just wanted to savour the moment.”
Thankfully after a 13-year career, he says he’s proud of what he has achieved.
“I do feel, let’s say, at peace with it. At some point, it’ll come for all of us,” he said.
“I tried to get back into Red Bull, it didn’t work out, so then I also have to say, ‘Okay, what else am I ultimately doing here and trying to achieve?’… Let’s say maybe the fairytale ending didn’t happen, but I also have to look back on what it’s been. Thirteen or so years and I’m proud.”
Although the end may be in sight, Ricciardo was voted Driver of the Day by fans following the Singapore Grand Prix. While he says that the drivers don’t usually put a lot of stake into it, this time, it meant a lot.
“The Driver Of The Day thing isn’t really something us drivers look too much into but today I can say it’s something I’m appreciative of so that one today, means a little something.”
Ricciardo’s fate in the F1 is expected to be announced by the end of the week and I think it’s fair to say that if he doesn’t find a seat, Drive To Survive will never be the same.
