Kylie Minogue looks to have almost certainly waved the chequered flag on Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career.
The legendary Aussie pop singer was Formula 1’s VIP guest to wave the chequered flag at the end of the Singapore Grand Prix, which is widely expected to be Ricciardo’s last in F1.
But if it was, there was a bit of a silver lining. He set the fastest lap of the race on his second-last lap, and also won the fan-voted Driver of the Day.
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Ricciardo is expected to be booted from his RB seat in favour of Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.
For a man who has eight grand prix victories to his name, Singapore was a sad end to what’s still been a glittering career.
Daniel Ricciardo on his way to 18th in the Singapore Grand Prix, expected to be his last in F1. Getty
Ricciardo started 16th, came home 18th, and never looked a chance to score points. But, he did make a third pitstop with two laps remaining, and set the fastest lap of the race with his second last tour of the Marina Bay circuit.
Halfway through the race, he was even ordered to let teammate Yuki Tsunoda past.
That in and of itself isn’t anything abnormal – indeed Ferrari did it during this race as well – but given the circumstances, it would have been a bitter pill to swallow.
After the race, while the other drivers were all getting out of their cars, Ricciardo stayed in his, enjoying a private moment of reflection.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, Ricciardo seemed resigned to the fact Singapore was his final race, although he didn’t explicitly say as much.
“I don’t know (if it was my last race) … I have to acknowledge why I came back after the McLaren stint,” he explained.
“I always said ‘I don’t want to come back just to be on the grid’. I want to try and fight back at the front and get back with Red Bull.
“Obviously it didn’t come to fruition, so then I also have to ask myself a question. What else can I achieve? What else is there to really go for?
Kylie Minoque waved the chequered flag at the end of the race. Formula 1 via Getty Images
“I put my best foot forward. Maybe the fairytale ending didn’t happen, but I also have 13 or so years to look back on.
“I think typically the Driver of the Day thing is maybe not something us drivers look too much into, but today I can say it’s something I’m appreciative of. So
“That one today means means a little something.”
The race itself was a snoozer. It was also the first Singapore Grand Prix to be run without a safety car – there wasn’t so much as a yellow flag – and extends the streak of races this season without a safety car to nine.
Ricciardo climbing out of his car for what appears to be the final time. Getty
Lando Norris took the win from Max Verstappen, which took eight points out of the Dutchman’s championship lead. It’s down to 51 points with six grands prix and two sprint races remain.
Norris was the holder of the fastest lap before Ricciardo pinched it, and took away the world championship point that goes with it. Ricciardo doesn’t get the point though, as he finished outside the top-10.
“If Max wins by a point, then I just guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present,” Ricciardo said.
Norris’ drive was a stonker. At one stage, he led Verstappen by some 30 seconds.
Piastri, who had overtaken both Mercedes on his way to third, was a further 20 seconds behind Verstappen. He now sits only eight points behind Charles Leclerc in the battle for third in the standings.
It was a really nothing race from RB, which has struggled in the development race for the last four months.
Having started inside the top 10, Yuki Tsunoda finished 12th.
Forever will the Ricciardo question burn: “what if he didn’t leave Red Bull?”