Ricciardo “much happier” than in 2022 given the uncertain F1 future

Although Daniel Ricciardo admits that there is a possibility that he will never drive in Formula 1 again, he now has more “agreements” with a possible exit than he did two years ago.

Reports ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix suggested that the Australian's position at RB was uncertain depending on his performance at the Marina Bay Circuit, with reserve driver Liam Lawson waiting in the wings.

A disappointing performance following a failed attempt to start on soft tyres resulted in Ricciardo finishing only 18th, regretting that “the fairytale ending did not happen”. However, his fastest lap caused controversy after it cost race winner Lando Norris a point in McLaren's title fight against Max Verstappen.

An emotional Ricciardo stressed after the race that he leaves Singapore feeling better than after leaving McLaren at the end of the 2022 season, when he lost his place to fellow rookie Oscar Piastri.

Ricciardo remained without a driver until he returned to RB, formerly known as AlphaTauri, to replace the struggling Nyck de Vries at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, ostensibly to test his suitability for a return to Red Bull alongside Verstappen.

“I tried to enjoy it obviously [the Singapore Grand Prix weekend]a bit like the end of '22 with McLaren,” reflected Ricciardo.

“Of course I was aware that it might be my last race, so I tried to enjoy it.

“I think I'm a lot happier in the sport now than I was then. So if that's it, let's say I have a little more peace and pride in my career.”

These comments followed Ricciardo's admission that “there is a realistic chance it won't happen” when asked if he would next take part in the United States Grand Prix.

Ricciardo said he was “prepared” for this to be the end of his F1 career, which began in 2011 with the now-defunct HRT team.

The eight-time Grand Prix winner became the tenth most experienced driver in F1 history in Singapore, surpassing Riccardo Patrese's record with his 257th start.

“At Red Bull it was a very race-by-race situation for all of us, I think, of course Checo [Sergio Perez] “, reflected Ricciardo. “And sometimes it feels like it goes one way, then the other.

“Of course the focus was very much on this weekend and I would have liked a better weekend – who knows if that would have made a difference or if the decision had already been made before the weekend.

“I'm obviously prepared for it and that's why I tried to make a few things clear to myself over the weekend. And I think I also realised why I came back into the sport.

“Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and I've always said, 'I don't want to just be the guy who stands here and fights for a point every now and then,' which is pretty much how it went this year.”