Daniel Ricciardo farewells F1 for now, spills details on Red Bull role

There were emotional scenes after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the reality set in Daniel Ricciardo may have driven his last race in F1.

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen hug it out.

There were emotional scenes in Abu Dhabi as Daniel Ricciardo completed his last F1 race for McLaren and revealed more details about his next career move.

Ricciardo started 13th on the grid but enjoyed a strong final race, pulling off some overtakes to finish ninth, while Lando Norris in sixth sealed a double points result for McLaren.

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Max Verstappen won a record-extending 15th race to end his second straight world championship win in style.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was second and Sergio Perez rounded out the podium, ensuring Leclerc finished second overall in the drivers’ championship.

Ricciardo celebrated with a burnout on the Yas Marina circuit as he Abu Dhabi as he farewelled F1, at least for now.

It was also four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel’s last race before he heads into retirement, while Mick Schumacher and Nicholas Latifi won’t be on the grid next year either.

Ricciardo and Vettel finished ended up tied for 11th in the drivers’ championship on 37 points.

The Australian embraced his parents before the race and hugged Vettel and his former teammate Verstappen after an emotional post-race sign-off on team radio.

Daniel Ricciardo signs off in style after finishing P9 in his final race for @McLarenF1 👍 #AbuDhabiGP#F1pic.twitter.com/f92ntw67te

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 20, 2022

I CANT DO THIS STOP pic.twitter.com/vOwj6lsa0I

— Jo 🦡 (@itsIightsout) November 20, 2022

“I tried not to get too emotional,” Ricciardo said.

“It’s not a sure thing – maybe it is, maybe it isn’t (my last race) – and there’s still a race to happen.

“I didn’t want to be overridden with emotions and a lot of nostalgia and all these things.

“I was trying to stay focused and certainly trying to absorb everything and appreciate it, but ultimately still stay focused.”

Over the weekend, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner all but confirmed Ricciardo would rejoin his old team as the 2023 reserve driver.

Daniel Ricciardo soaks it all in at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Ricciardo said the move to Red Bull was “very close” to being locked in.

“Unless something crazy happens it should get done,” he said.

“That’s the likely place I’ll be.

“I can’t say 100 per cent until things are signed off and whatever but that’s certainly what’s closest now. I look forward to that.”

He also revealed he won’t attend every Grand Prix on the 24-race calendar next season, as he looks to take a break from F1’s rigorous schedule.

“If it is though, I’m not going to be at 24 races,” Ricciardo added.

“Otherwise I may as well be on the grid somewhere. I made it clear that I still need some time off for myself and to get away a little bit.

“I’ll be around to some extent and try to stay involved.”

Ricciardo was pleased to finish his last race for McLaren in the top 10 instead of a DNF.

“I’m relieved how it ended,” he said.

Has Ricciardo driven his last race in F1? (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

“I look back to a week ago and if that was the finale, it certainly would have left some more of a sour taste in my mouth.”

“To see the chequered flag, to be in the points, to hold off Vettel the last 10 or so laps, that was fun and I feel like I crossed the line having put in at least a solid effort.”

“That makes me feel a little more fulfilled.”

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix results (top 10)

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

3. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

6. Lando Norris (McLaren)

7. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)

8. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

9. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)

10. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin)