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Ricciardo Reveals ‘$3.5 Million’ Payout Behind Major Red Bull Decision

Daniel Ricciardo has shed light on a crucial decision made by Red Bull during last weekend’s Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, one that could mark a pivotal moment in his career. The race at Marina Bay Street Circuit might well have been Ricciardo’s final outing for Visa Cash App RB, as the team is rumored to be preparing to replace him with reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of the 2024 season. As rumors of Ricciardo’s possible retirement swirl, his performance and future within the sport remain a hot topic.

Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull in 2023 was met with optimism, but his performances have fallen short of expectations. The Australian driver has struggled to find the form that once made him one of the most popular and successful drivers on the grid, prompting Red Bull to make a tough decision ahead of the season’s final six races. Though Ricciardo remains one of the most loved figures in the paddock, questions have surfaced regarding whether Singapore was his last appearance in a Formula 1 car.

Ricciardo, an eight-time race winner, has been unable to consistently challenge at the front of the pack since rejoining the Red Bull setup, with his results prompting the team to potentially hand Liam Lawson a chance to impress. Ricciardo’s potential exit would mark the end of an era for a driver known for his aggressive overtaking, wide smile, and exuberant personality.

If Ricciardo’s Singapore race was indeed his farewell, he ensured it was a memorable one by securing the fastest lap of the race in its closing stages. His late switch to soft tires allowed him to snatch the fastest lap bonus point, which carried significant importance not only for him but also for his former Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen.

McLaren driver Lando Norris had been in prime position to claim the fastest lap point until Ricciardo’s late heroics disrupted his plans. This move proved crucial for Verstappen, who is locked in a tight battle with Norris for the drivers’ championship. Following the race, Verstappen was quick to thank Ricciardo over team radio for his efforts, showing a sense of camaraderie and appreciation between the two former teammates.

But Ricciardo’s motivation wasn’t solely about helping out Verstappen. Speaking to Autosport after the race, Ricciardo revealed that the decision to go for the fastest lap came with the promise of a substantial payout. “I heard something about a $3.5 million bonus for the fastest lap,” Ricciardo shared. “Red Bull was throwing some crazy numbers around!”

He continued, “I had an idea, but I also thought they were just letting me have some fun because we were obviously a long way out of the points. So then, yeah, at the end, the fastest lap. I’m kind of hoping Max wins by a point now because I guaranteed myself a very nice Christmas present if so.”

This $3.5 million incentive not only gave Ricciardo extra motivation to chase the fastest lap but also added a lighthearted tone to his uncertain future. “So sorry, Lando!” Ricciardo quipped, adding that he’d be looking forward to a “good Christmas present” if Verstappen wins the title by a point, thanks to his last-gasp effort in Singapore.

While Ricciardo managed to go out on a high in Singapore, his future in Formula 1 remains unclear. With the possibility of Liam Lawson stepping into the car for the rest of the season, Ricciardo’s place in the sport could be in jeopardy. Retirement is now a realistic option for the Australian, though many fans and fellow drivers will hope to see him back on the grid in 2025.

Ricciardo’s struggles at Red Bull have been well-documented, but his infectious personality and undeniable skill mean that he could still have a place in the paddock—whether as a driver, in a leadership role, or even as a media presence. The decision to swap him for Lawson may have been difficult for Red Bull, but it signals a shift towards the future for a team that remains focused on maintaining its competitive edge in Formula 1.

Daniel Ricciardo’s final race in Singapore, if it proves to be his last, showcased his fighting spirit and desire to go out on a high. With the promise of a $3.5 million payout as extra motivation, Ricciardo pulled off a memorable fastest lap, potentially playing a pivotal role in the outcome of the drivers’ championship. As the season progresses, the F1 world will be watching closely to see if Ricciardo makes a return or if this truly marks the end of an era for one of the sport’s most beloved drivers.