Daniel Ricciardo sets the fastest lap in what is likely to be the last F1 race, helping Red Bull | F1
Daniel Ricciardo drove the fastest lap at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix – it may be his last race.
Ricciardo is reportedly set to be replaced by Liam Lawson at RB in the next round in Texas and for the rest of the season.
But he rounded off the race by securing the bonus point for the fastest lap in Singapore and was also named F1 Driver of the Day.
Significantly, he took the point from Lando Norris, who had previously driven the fastest lap.
Norris of McLaren won the Singapore Grand Prix ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Ricciardo finished 18th.
But Norris would have taken home an additional point that would have helped him in the title fight if his former teammate Ricciardo had not intervened again on lap 61.
“Your old buddy Daniel drove the fastest lap,” Verstappen’s race engineer told him.
“Thank you, Daniel,” said Verstappen over the team radio.
This means that Ricciardo’s final act in Formula 1 could be to provide significant assistance to the team that is expected to drop him soon.
He has helped Verstappen maintain his 52-point lead over Norris at the top of the championship, where he should be on 51 points.
Ricciardo also thwarted the run of his former McLaren teammate Norris.
Mathematically, Verstappen will retain his F1 title if he finishes second behind Norris in each of the remaining Grands Prix, regardless of the bonus points for the fastest lap.
Ricciardo’s help may not help the popular Australian veteran extend his career.
There are rumours throughout the F1 paddock in Singapore that Red Bull will decide to switch drivers to sister team RB before the next round.
Unless Ricciardo makes another comeback in 2025, this will mean that he has completed his last laps in Formula 1.
