Ricciardo ‘at peace’ with Abu Dhabi could be last F1 race

Daniel Ricciardo will be “peaceful” if the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix becomes his last race in F1.

The race marked Ricciardo’s final grand prix with McLaren following a mutual decision to terminate his multi-year contract early.

With the Australian without a race seat in 2023, he looks set to spend the year on the sidelines as a reserve driver, likely driving for Red Bull Racing.

While he is targeting a return to action in 2024, Ricciardo admits that is not certain after the race in Abu Dhabi, where he finished ninth on points.

Ricciardo ‘relaxed’ after 2022 season finale

After a tough final season with McLaren, Ricciardo was so much more pleased with his performance at Yas Marina Circuit that if it was his last Formula 1 race, he would take the it.

“I’m very happy,” Ricciardo told the media, including RacingNews365.com.

“I’m also relieved that the season ended this way and not like the Brazil game. [with a DNF on the first lap].

“I think seeing the checkered flag, getting the points, it just makes me a little bit more peaceful about how the year ends.

“Of course, I don’t know what the future holds, so if it’s my last game, at least I can say, ‘OK’. I’m with [Sebastian] Finally Vettel.

“I’m much more satisfied with my performance and I’m relieved for that.”

Ricciardo: I don’t want to be overwhelmed by emotions

Unlike Vettel – who announced earlier this season that he would retire from F1 at the end of the 2022 season – the final outcome of Ricciardo’s exit from the sport is less certain.

Still, the eight-time tournament winner was keen to focus on the task at hand in Abu Dhabi rather than being distracted by emotions about the future.

“Honestly, I try not to get too emotional,” Ricardo said.

“Because it’s not a sure thing—maybe [the last race], maybe not, and there’s still a race to happen. I don’t want to get overwhelmed by emotions, a lot of nostalgia and all those things.

“I just tried to stay focused and, of course, tried to absorb everything and appreciate it, but at the end of the day, I stayed focused and tried to focus on what was obviously a 58-lap race.”