“It’s Always Like a Little Emotional”: Daniel Ricciardo Reflects on His Topsy-Turvy McLaren Journey As He Gears Up for One Final Push

Formula 1 is in Abu Dhabi for the final race of the season. The ultimate showdown of 2022 will see some elite drivers of the sport go out and Daniel Ricciardo is also on the list. As his time is limited in McLaren, Ricciardo indulges himself with the Papaya team for one last time.

In a video released by McLaren’s official Twitter handle, Ricciardo was found sharing his feelings as he says goodbye to the Woking-based team after two bitter-sweet years with them. He conveyed, “I feel pretty good. I got a lot of time until the race, so just trying to keep it pretty mellow at the moment.”

“I’m sure when I put the suit on, even like, regardless of what happens in the future. I think the last race of the season it’s always like a little emotional.”

“Yeah, every year’s got its own memories, you know,” further asserted the former Red Bull star before he went on to click his teammate Lando Norris’s photo.

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Things may take a turn for Ricciardo as he might still stay in sport after signing the Red Bull agreement. Apart from this, Sebastian Vettel, who is on his way to retire after Sunday’s race, and Mick Schumacher, who lost his Haas seat to Nico Hulkenberg, are the two drivers leaving the sport.

Is Daniel Ricciardo moving to Red Bull?

The Australian F1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo, might have an outside chance of staying in Formula 1 if he decides to accept the Red Bull Racing agreement. Prior to Abu Dhabi free practice, Helmut Marko, the senior advisor to Red Bull, enthusiastically announced that Ricciardo might have a role in the Austrian team.

Given the two-driver spot already taken by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, the Red Bull authority might give Ricciardo the seat as their reserve/third driver for the next season. Even though neither of the two parties confirmed anything as of now, Red Bull fans would love to see the Australian come back home.

The Honey Badger left the Bulls after a successful five years stint in 2018. Ricciardo joined Red Bull from Toro Rosso in 2014 and became a Grand Prix winner with them. The man from Land Down Under joined Renault in 2019 and then McLaren in 2021.

WATCH THIS STORY: Struggling ‘Honey Badger’ Daniel Ricciardo Once Dominated the Streets of Azerbaijan in Glorious 2017

After two forgettable years at McLaren, Ricciardo finally says goodbye to the team. The Papaya team is to replace the outgoing Australian with his younger compatriot Oscar Piastri for the next season to drive alongside Lando Norris.