Is this really the end of Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career?
Thanked by Racing Bulls, it seems that Daniel Ricciardo has competed in his last Formula 1 race in Singapore. The Australian seems to be saying goodbye to this sport, but a door could remain open.
A little over a year after his appointment by Racing Bulls, Daniel Ricciardo is fired by the Italian team. At the time a reserve driver for Red Bull, the Australian had replaced Nyck de Vries, who was fired before the Hungarian Grand Prix. Ricciardo suffered the same fate as the Dutchman on Thursday and posted an ambiguous message on his social networks:
« I have loved this sport all my life. It’s a wild and wonderful sport, a real journey. Thanks to the teams and individuals who played their part. Thanks to the fans who sometimes love this sport more than I do. There will always be ups and downs, but we had fun and, to be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. Until the next adventure.
The next adventure for Ricciardo? Surely far from the F1 paddock. But the former Renault driver has not officially announced his definitive withdrawal from the grid. As his farewell is not a done deal, he might leave himself an opportunity to come back. But at 35 years old and with a younger generation rising, the possibilities are slim for DR3.
The rumors of a retirement of Pérez
Various British media are reporting a rumor that Sergio Perez could retire at the end of the season. The 34-year-old Mexican, who has struggled to impress in recent weeks, would therefore free up a seat. However, this hypothesis would not guarantee Daniel Ricciardo to regain his seat. The Australian recently declined the role of reserve driver for Red Bull, which had been held by Liam Lawson, his replacement at Racing Bulls.
Read also: Farewell in disguise, controversy of the quick lap… The Ricciardo imbroglio within the Red Bull clan
A departure by Perez – whether for retirement or Red Bull’s choice – could push the Austrian team to promote a young driver such as Ayumu Iwasa or the Frenchman Isack Hadjar. More obstacles for Ricciardo. If the opportunity does not arise, the Australian would then end with eight wins and 32 podiums in 257 Formula 1 races. However, many memories of “Danny Ric” will remain in the memory of F1.
