In what could be his last hurrah in Formula 1, Daniel Ricciardo delivered a dramatic final blow at the Singapore Grand Prix, snatching the fastest lap bonus point away from title contender Lando Norris and handing an unexpected gift to Max Verstappen. Driving for RB, Red Bull’s sister team, Ricciardo’s late charge in the closing stages denied Norris a crucial point that could have tightened the championship battle, all while helping his former teammate, Verstappen, in his quest for a fourth title.
“If Max wins by a point, then I just guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present,” Ricciardo joked to Sky Sports, with Verstappen later thanking him over the radio. While the point didn’t go to Ricciardo — since he finished outside the top 10 — it set the F1 world buzzing amid growing rumors that he will be replaced by RB’s reserve driver, Liam Lawson, before the next race.
The visibly emotional Ricciardo hinted this could indeed be his final race. “A lot of emotions because I’m aware it could be it,” he said, reflecting on his tumultuous career and his unexpected return to the grid.
After a disappointing stint at McLaren, where he was outperformed by Norris, Ricciardo’s career seemed over by 2022. A brief return as a Red Bull reserve led to a chance with RB when Nyck de Vries was dropped midseason, but Ricciardo’s comeback has been far from a fairytale. In 25 races, he’s managed just four top-10 finishes, raising doubts about his long-term future in F1.
“I always said I don’t want to come back just to be on the grid,” Ricciardo admitted. “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 the question, ‘What else can I achieve?’”
While Ricciardo’s eight career wins were memorable, it’s his infectious personality, humor, and starring role in the Netflix series “Drive To Survive” that cemented his place as a fan favorite. But as he contemplates his F1 exit, Ricciardo’s parting shot in Singapore could tip the scales in the 2024 title fight.
By taking the fastest lap, Ricciardo ensured Verstappen maintains a crucial advantage over Norris. If Verstappen finishes second in the remaining races and sprints, he would clinch the championship by a single point — the very point Ricciardo swiped from Norris.
Despite the controversy, Norris took the outcome in stride, acknowledging the long-standing tactics in F1: “That’s how it’s been probably since before I was born,” he said. “It’s the logical thing to do, the smart play by them. Happy for Daniel, that’s all.”
As F1 heads toward its climax, Ricciardo’s actions in Singapore may go down as a pivotal twist in a season that has already been full of surprises.
