Mon Sep 23 05:11:11 UTC 2024: ## Ricciardo Hints at Potential F1 Retirement After Disappointing Singapore GP
Singapore, Sept. 17 – Daniel Ricciardo has raised the possibility that the Singapore Grand Prix may have been his last race in Formula 1, after a disappointing performance at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The eight-time Grand Prix winner struggled throughout the weekend, failing to qualify out of Q1 for the second consecutive race.
Starting from 16th on the grid, Ricciardo was unable to make significant progress and ultimately finished in 18th place. Reflecting on his performance, he admitted that the team’s strategy didn’t work out, but ultimately the car lacked pace.
In a heartfelt moment after the race, Ricciardo appeared to savor the time spent in his cockpit, hinting at his potential departure. When asked if Singapore might be his last race, he replied, “Possibly, I have to acknowledge that.”
Ricciardo, who returned to Red Bull midway through the 2023 season, expressed a sense of peace with the possibility of retirement. “At some point, it’ll come for all of us,” he said. “I think also, I tried to get back into Red Bull, it didn’t work out, so then I also have to say, ‘Okay, what else am I ultimately doing here and trying to achieve?’”
While acknowledging his achievements in the sport, Ricciardo admitted that the fight for podiums and victories has become increasingly difficult. “When you’ve experienced the highs of winning, you can only fight for P10 for so long,” he shared. “There is nothing like that feeling, and if that no longer is possible, and if it is becoming a little harder – that’s the truth.”
Despite the emotional nature of his comments, Ricciardo didn’t explicitly confirm his retirement. However, his words coupled with his recent struggles, suggest that a decision regarding his future may be imminent.