Daniel Ricciardo Delivers Emotional Message

After partnering for 10 years with the Red Bull family, a run that has seen seven Grand Prix victories and 29 podiums, the Abu Dhabi race marks his 100th and final race for the senior Red Bull squad. Daniel Ricciardo made the brave decision to join Renault next year, and he spoke about his current feelings.

Ricciardo was talk of the town, during F1’s summer shutdown when he announced that he would part ways with Red Bull. This came after having formed a competitive partnership with team mate Max Verstappen.

In an exclusive interview with The Players’ Tribune, Ricciardo revealed what he was going through.“I needed to listen to my heart, I needed to go it alone and make my own decision. Change is scary… it’s fu**** terrifying,” said Ricciardo.

“And I know the next part of my journey won’t always be easy, but I had to take this step to try to be the best version of me. That’s all it was. It was the next step, the next leap, a new challenge”, he continued. “I’m going to Renault next year, and I’m going with an open mind and a full heart. Nobody has a crystal ball, or can predict the future or the results of my decision, but nonetheless a decision was made.”

“But for now I want to end this year strong. It’s not going to be easy, mentally. I know that. Each lap I turn in the car will mean one lap closer to my last in a Red Bull race suit. And when I get out for the final time in Abu Dhabi.… I think I’m going to have a right good cry. Maybe a few of ’em. Then winter will come, I’ll go meet my new Renault friends, and I’ll start anew.”

Ricciardo has retired from four of the eight races after F1 action resumed in Belgium, and has also gone on a 14-race streak without a podium finish. Now that he is parting ways with Red Bull, he had nothing but good words for the team that he raced with for so long. “At times, this season has been incredibly difficult. I’ve talked about rolling with the punches, but man, even I get sore after a while. I’m human,” Daniel Ricciardo said.

“But I really want you all to hear this- I hope everyone understands that Red Bull is so much more than a brand”, said Ricciardo. “It’s a family, it’s a statement of what’s possible. If a team can do all this; win football leagues, build the fastest cars, sign the best gamers, run air races, what are we all capable of? Red Bull just does rad s***, and I have loved being a part of it.”

“I feel incredibly privileged to have driven for Red Bull Racing and been part of the Red Bull family for 10 years. They gave me my break, and without Dr. Marko spotting me all those years ago, I don’t think I would have been able to make my way to F1, to my dream job.

“I will remember this team, these great people, this family, forever. And that thought, right there, is when I found clarity. I’ve done so much with Red Bull and I’ve become who I’ve always wanted to be, right by their side. And I know, I know, that I can leave having given them my everything and having received the same in return”, said the Australian.

With this note Daniel Ricciardo bids farewell to Red Bull, as he races for the final time in Abu Dhabi.