Normally, if an F1 driver has just had an 18th-place finish and is under huge pressure to keep his seat, they will keep their post-race media commitments to an absolute minimum. 

They will address the gathered TV crews before coming over to the written media for another series of questions, all whilst trying to plot a way back to the safety of the team hospitality building. 

But for Daniel Ricciardo, the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix was different, even from the Thursday media sessions. 

Unusually, the then-VCARB driver was accompanied by his usual team PR, but also by then-Red Bull director of communications, Paul Smith. Smith would usually be stuck to Christian Horner like glue over a grand prix weekend, but in perhaps a sign of things to come, instead, he was by Ricciardo’s side. 

The article continues below. 

Ricciardo pre-race

On Thursday, Ricciardo did his best Sir Donald Bradman impression and went out to bat the questions away, akin to how the Don himself did during the infamous Bodyline Ashes tour of 1932-33.

“I don’t think so, but I also don’t want to stand here and be the lawyer,” Ricciardo told media, including RacingNews365, when asked if Singapore would be his final race.

“I would say no [it won’t be], but we also know how this sport works, and people have not seen through a season before, so it is nothing new.

“But I don’t want to be like: ‘Oh, 100% I’ll bet my house on it, I’ve been around too long.

“I really don’t know what is going to happen, but what is crazy about this sport, and this is me talking a bit of shit now, but if I go and get a podium this weekend, then I am probably the hottest thing in the sport. 

“That is the merry-go-round we are on, and I know it can just change so quickly. I am aware of things hotting up, but I just have to try and get my head down this weekend and kick some arse.”

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© XPBimages

© XPBimages

Ricciardo’s final race

Qualifying 16th on the Singapore streets was a less-than-ideal start, and things sadly for Ricciardo did not get any better.

The highlight of his race would be a pit-stop late on for a set of brand-new soft tyres and a chance to go for the fastest lap. He stole that away from Lando Norris, who was set for a grand chelem, and it also meant that Max Verstappen could afford to finish second to Norris in every remaining Sprint and race, and still win the title. 

Coming into the pits for what would be the final time, the eight-time grand prix winner sat motionless in his cockpit, taking it all in for the last time, knowing he would never drive one of these things in anger again. 

As it would turn out and later be revealed, Ricciardo was informed of Red Bull’s decision in the build-up to the Singapore race, and after the Azerbaijan event the week before.

As he ticked those final media boxes post-race, the realisation hit Ricciardo. 

Struggling for his words, his eyes on stalks, and visibly on the verge of tears, he bid a final farewell to life as an F1 driver. 

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