The Australian once again had a difficult Sunday with zero points. Nevertheless, he offered a final gift to his employer by preventing Lando Norris from taking the point for the fastest lap in the race. A swan song that should not change his fate. Barring a surprise, Liam Lawson will take his place from the following Grand Prix, in Austin, and this until Abu Dhabi.
“There were a lot of emotions after the arrival, Danny Ric comments. I am aware that this could be my last race. I think I was also exhausted after the race, so it was an overflow of all that. The cockpit is something I was used to for many years, and I wanted to savour the moment. After the McLaren episode, I came back because I wanted to fight at the front with Red Bull. But it didn’t work out. I did my best, let’s say the fairy tale didn’t end with a happy ending, but I also have to look back and remember the positive. I spent about 13 years in F1 and I’m proud of it. I have to prepare myself for some bad news. Let’s say I’m at peace with that.”
Ricciardo can consider himself lucky. Drafted by AlphaTauri/VCARB after Nyck de Vries’ bankruptcy last year, the ex-McLaren driver has been in the hot seat more than once, being overpowered by his young teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Sometimes, it’s better to stop pushing.
