Daniel Ricciardo has found out that frequent team changes could be hindering his Formula 1 career.
Ricciardo has admitted he could be switched to Red Bull’s sister team RB after the Singapore Grand Prix.
With Liam Lawson set to replace him, Ricciardo’s F1 career is likely over.
Ricciardo took the fastest lap in Singapore, helping former teammate Max Verstappen and holding back another (Lando Norris).
“If his final act is to help his old mate win it will guarantee a lifelong bond,” Simon Lazenby analysed on Sky Sports.
Anthony Davidson praised Ricciardo, saying: “A big part of why fans watch the races is not just to see the cars, but the human element of driving the cars is inspiring.”
“He was pure entertainment, Ricardo.”
Lazenby asked: “He’s tasted success with the senior team. If he’d been driving a lot outside of Max – as a lot of people have struggled with – would he have been able to live up to that?”
Jamie Chadwick responded: “There are a number of factors that have contributed to the situation we see today.
“The cars today are totally different to those in his prime. Max is a totally different driver.”
“Especially in the environment he’s in now, the constant changes of team and the constant blows to his mentality couldn’t have helped.
“It all came together to this end result.
“If this is his last race, hopefully we will see him in good spirits again in the paddock. He is a great supporter of horse racing.”
“Liam Lawson has performed brilliantly and I think he deserves this seat.”
Ricciardo impressed alongside Verstappen early in his career as a Red Bull driver, establishing himself as a frequent Grand Prix winner.
The decision to leave the team and move to Renault was a poor one.
He was then outpaced by Norris at McLaren and was released by the team at the end of 2022.
Ricciardo returned with AlphaTauri last year and always admitted a return to Red Bull was the plan, but it never materialised.
