Daniel Ricciardo has said that he is “in a much happier place” compared to when he departed McLaren should the Singapore Grand Prix be his last race in Formula 1.
The speculation inside the paddock is that Ricciardo won’t return to complete the remaining six rounds with RB as Red Bull is lining up Liam Lawson to take his place.
Ricciardo conceded prior to the action starting there were no guarantees that he wouldn’t be replaced and rumours continued to gather momentum over the weekend.
An emotional Ricciardo acknowledged post-race that he might have conducted his final outing in the sport as Red Bull utilises the autumn break to assess its options.
READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo admits Singapore GP could have been his last F1 race
However, the Australian is adamant that he harbours no regrets as he would have done had he not returned after his disastrous spell with McLaren concluded in 2022.
“Look, obviously wish we were fighting for a little more in the race,” Ricciardo, who pitted late to claim the fastest lap, told media including Motorsport Week.
“I heard something about $3.5 million bonus for fastest lap, Red Bull was throwing some crazy number around!
“Look, I tried to obviously enjoy it, a little bit like the end of ’22 at McLaren, obviously I was aware maybe that was my last race so I tried to enjoy that.
“I think I’m in a much happier place in the sport now than I was then, if this was it then let’s say I have a little bit more pace.
“I’m proud of the career, I tried to become World Champion, I tried to become the best at something in the world, I think it is a tall task that we ask from ourselves.
“Some achieve it, some don’t, in the end if I came up a little short I also can’t be too hard on myself.
“Happy with the effort I put in and for that there’s no sadness or feeling or regret or what could have been.”
Ricciardo cherishes fan vote award
The recognition that Ricciardo might not race in F1 again witnessed the masses head online to vote him the Driver of the Day over McLaren race winner Lando Norris.
Ricciardo, an eight-time F1 victor, admitted that the overriding support he was handed in the circumstances meant he would cherish the award more this time around.
“I think that’s one where, I’ll be honest, I don’t think the Driver of the Day normally means much to us drivers, it’s nice, but it’s not something to brag about,” he added.
“But I think today the fans read the media and know this could be my last one so I think that’s a really nice gesture from them and today it is appreciated.
“I do acknowledge that, I thank them for, yeah, being a part of it and acknowledging my efforts and my love for the sport.
“Obviously there were times it tested me and I wasn’t always grinning ear to ear, but I felt like I always tried to have as much fun with it and leave as much as I could on track.”
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