Daniel Ricciardo expressed “a little disappointment” at missing out on a podium finish on his 100th and final Formula 1 outing with Red Bull in Abu Dhabi.
Ricciardo had targeted a first podium finish since his dominant victory at May’s Monaco Grand Prix, having endured a series of incidents and setbacks in the intervening phase.
Ricciardo started fifth at Yas Marina and moved up to fourth when Kimi Raikkonen retired, before opting to run a longer first stint than his opponents.
While Ricciardo overhauled Valtteri Bottas on-track, he was usurped through the pit phase by Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, who went on to lead a 3-4 for the squad.
“I would have loved to sign-off this chapter with a podium, so I can’t be ecstatic with fourth and there is a little disappointment there,” said Ricciardo.
“I led for a while which was fun but staying out put me out of touch with the leaders.
“I don’t think we had much of a choice, maybe we could have pitted early and kept track position but nobody thought the Supersofts would hold on like they did.
“The pace advantage after I pitted was strong but it fell away quite quickly and I couldn’t make a big enough impact on Max or the leaders.”
Ricciardo also reflected on his 100-race spell with Red Bull in Formula 1, which followed a two-year stint at Toro Rosso and several seasons as part of the company’s young driver scheme.
“I would have loved a championship with them but Red Bull brought me my first pole, victory and podium,” he said.
“Everything I have done in F1 is down the them and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
“The moment before the race with everyone in the garage showing their love and appreciation was really cool and that’s certainly something I will never forget.
“I thank the team for the last five years and Red Bull for the last 10.
“I would have loved to drink out of my shoe and celebrate with the team one last time, but now I close this chapter with thanks and love for everyone in the Red Bull family.”
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