Daniel Ricciardo provides ultimate gift for Max Verstappen in what could be Formula One cult hero’s final act in the sport as Aussie faces the axe after the Singapore Grand Prix
- Daniel Ricciardo helped Max Verstappen in possibly his last Grand Prix
- Ricciardo’s future at RB is in serious doubt amid huge speculation
- But he helped Verstappen in his battle with Lando Norris in Singapore
Daniel Ricciardo made sure his exit from Formula 1 did not go quietly as the Australian veteran made the ultimate team move that could prove decisive in Max Verstappen’s defence of his world championship.
The dismissal hangs over the head of RB driver Ricciardo. According to reports, the popular Australian will be replaced by debuting driver Liam Lawson at next month’s United States Grand Prix.
Ricciardo looked set to quietly retire from the sport in 18th place, after Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen had already retired. But he surprised fans and pundits when he pulled into the pits with just a few laps to go.
He returned to the circuit on a new set of soft tyres and set the fastest lap of the race, previously held by race winner Lando Norris.
McLaren star Norris is chasing Verstappen for the world championship, but Ricciardo’s fast lap saw the young Briton miss out on a bonus point for the race.
Red Bull star Verstappen was informed of Ricciardo’s eventual team move after the chequered flag and the grateful Dutchman simply said: ‘Thanks Daniel’.
Verstappen eventually finished second, behind successful race winner Norris, while Ricciardo’s compatriot Oscar Piastri took third place after his victory in Baku last time out.
More to come.
Daniel Ricciardo helped his Formula 1 buddy Max Verstappen in what could be his final act
Ricciardo set the fastest lap of the race, taking a bonus point from Lando Norris