JUST IN: Ricciardo reveals ‘$3.5 MILLION’ payout behind major Red Bull…read More.
Ricciardo reveals ‘$3.5 MILLION’ payout behind major Red Bull…read more
Daniel Ricciardo has shed light on a major decision made by his team during the recent Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, a race that could mark his final appearance with Visa Cash App Red Bull (RB). With the team’s reserve driver, Liam Lawson, expected to take over for the remainder of the season, uncertainty looms over Ricciardo’s future in the sport. There is now serious speculation that the Australian driver, a fan favorite and eight-time race winner, could be on the brink of retirement.
Ricciardo, who returned to the RB team in 2023, has struggled with consistency since rejoining. His performance this season has reportedly led the team to consider a change for the final six races of the year, with Lawson seen as the preferred option. Though Ricciardo has made significant contributions to the sport and had moments of brilliance, his recent results have not met the expectations set for him or his team. This has fueled questions about whether he will return to the Formula 1 grid after this season.
Sunday’s Singapore GP at the Marina Bay Street Circuit might have been Ricciardo’s last time behind the wheel in Formula 1. However, if this was indeed his final race, he went out in style. Ricciardo managed to set the fastest lap in the closing stages of the race, a feat that brought him personal satisfaction and contributed to his former Red Bull Racing teammate Max Verstappen’s title fight.
Verstappen is currently locked in a tight battle with McLaren driver Lando Norris for the drivers’ championship, and Ricciardo’s fastest lap proved critical in denying Norris an additional bonus point for the race. Norris had been in position to secure the fastest-lap point until Ricciardo, on soft tires, snatched it in the final moments of the race. Verstappen, clearly appreciative of Ricciardo’s last-minute effort, sent a message of thanks over team radio, acknowledging the Australian’s contribution to his championship hopes.
Ricciardo later explained that he had extra motivation to make the switch to soft tires and go for the fastest lap. While talking to Autosport after the race, he revealed that there had been talks of a $3.5 million bonus for securing the fastest lap, something that may have provided additional incentive for him.
“I heard something about a $3.5 million bonus for the fastest lap,” Ricciardo said. “Red Bull was throwing around some crazy numbers!”
Though he wasn’t entirely sure if the figure was serious, Ricciardo said the idea was enough to encourage him to make a push for the fastest lap. “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,” he explained.
Ricciardo’s fastest lap came during a race in which he was not in contention for points, making the achievement even more remarkable. It was clear he viewed it as a personal victory of sorts, with the potential financial reward just the cherry on top. His playful attitude was on full display post-race when he joked about hoping Max Verstappen would win the championship by a single point, saying, “I guaranteed myself a very nice Christmas present if so. So sorry, Lando! But I think I’d get a good Christmas present!”
For Ricciardo, this race might have been a bittersweet reminder of his love for racing and his ability to deliver under pressure, even as speculation swirls around his future. His struggles to adapt to the car since rejoining RB have been well-documented, and with Liam Lawson ready to step in, it remains to be seen whether Ricciardo will be offered another opportunity to race in F1 or if he will decide to step away from the sport.
In any case, Ricciardo has left fans with a memorable moment from Singapore and perhaps one last act of brilliance in his Formula 1 career. Whether his performance will help sway the decision-makers or whether his time in the sport is truly coming to an end, Ricciardo’s legacy as a highly skilled and charismatic driver remains intact. If this is the end, the $3.5 million bonus for his fastest lap could provide a fitting conclusion to an impressive career.
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