Daniel Ricciardo ‘felt really special’ after taking Singapore GP Driver of the Day

Visa Cash App RB’s Daniel Ricciardo claims it feels ‘really special’ after being voted Driver of the Day after the Australian completed his, rumoured, final race at Singapore. 

Feature image credit: Red Bull Content Pool

Although it’s not confirmed – a mere strongly rumoured possibility – the Singapore Grand Prix could’ve been marked as the end of the road in Ricciardo’s F1 career. 

As such, fans made sure to leave their voices heard as the Australian driver was voted Driver of the Day by the time the chequered flag fell on the Singapore Grand Prix. This was also in combination with the fastest lap in his suspected final hurrah in the sport and snatched away the extra point from McLaren’s Lando Norris.

The Perth-born driver stated it ‘felt really special’ to obtain this, in what could be his final race. He said:

“It was a difficult race for overtaking, not many people were carving through the field. Ultimately, we weren’t quite quick enough, with Yuki [Tsunoda] also finishing outside of the points.

“We were in a position to go for the fastest lap at the end, and it was nice to secure this. It also felt really special to be voted Driver of the Day by my fans today.”

“Thank you, Daniel” #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/rdQTDk1NBH

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 22, 2024

Having taken the fastest lap away from his former teammate, it means Red Bull’s Max Verstappen keeps an additional point in the bag. As such, the Dutchman maintains a 52-point lead rather than a 51-point lead.

After the chequered flag fell on the race, won by Norris, Verstappen thanked Ricciardo for taking the point away from his championship rival which could be crucial by Abu Dhabi. Ricciardo later commented on the fastest lap claiming it will be ‘a nice Christmas present’ if Verstappen secures his fourth consecutive title by a point.

Whilst Ricciardo’s fan vote may not reflect on the Australian’s overall performance during the grand prix, of which Ricciardo stayed relatively under the radar, it’s a nod to the fans getting their chance to – potentially – say goodbye.

Read more Formula 1 here:

• Mekies states VCARB let Ricciardo ‘go out with the fastest lap’ in controversial move
• Opinion: Daniel Ricciardo doesn’t deserve axing after F1 Singapore GP
• Drivers support Max Verstappen after swearing punishment by FIA
• Norris pips Verstappen to Singapore GP pole as Sainz crashes
• Sainz crashes out of Singapore GP qualifying
• Leclerc pips Norris with fastest FP1 time at F1 Singapore GP
• McLaren F1 reveal ‘Legend Reborn’ livery for Singapore GP

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.