Daniel Ricciardo ensured he didn’t make a quiet exit from Formula One as the Aussie veteran provided the ultimate team move in what could be pivotal in Max Verstappen’s defence of his world championship.
The axe is looming over RB driver Ricciardo, with reports suggesting that the popular Australian will be replaced by rookie driver Liam Lawson at the United States Grand Prix next month.
Ricciardo looked set to slink away from the sport quietly in 18th place, with Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen having earlier retired from the race, before he took fans and pundits by surprise when he headed for the pit lane with a handful of laps left.
He returned to the circuit on a fresh set of softs and set the fastest lap of the race, which was previously held by race winner Lando Norris.
McLaren star Norris is hunting down Verstappen for the world championship, and Ricciardo’s rapid lap meant the young Briton was denied a bonus point from the race.
Red Bull star Verstappen was informed of Ricciardo’s ultimate team move after the chequered flag and the grateful Dutchman simply said: ‘Thank you Daniel’.
Ricciardo appeared visibly upset when he spoke to F1’s in-house broadcaster after the race, in which he finished 18th with the fastest lap of the Grand Prix.
‘A lot of emotions,’ he began. ‘I’m aware it could be it. I think it’s just [that] I’m exhausted after the race so I don’t know, there’s just a flood of many emotions and feelings, it could be exhaustion.’
Daniel Ricciardo helped his Formula One pal Max Verstappen in what could be his final act
Ricciardo set the fastest lap of the race, which took a bonus point from Lando Norris
Ricciardo’s voice quavered as his interview came to an end, when he reflected on his time behind the wheel in Formula One.
‘The cockpit is something that… urm…,’ he said, taking a moment to compose himself. ‘I got very used to for many years and just wanted to savour the moment.’
Verstappen ended up finishing second behind runaway race winner Norris, while Ricciardo’s fellow countryman Oscar Piastri took third place following his win in Baku last time out.