I Can Spray Some Fake Champagne on Sunday: Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that he will be emotional post-race in Abu Dhabi as it will be his final race for Red Bull before joining Renault for next season onwards.

After ten years of being part of the Red Bull family and after five years of driving for Red Bull’s F1 team, Daniel Ricciardo will drive his last-ever race for the team next week.

“Abu Dhabi marks the end of five years with the team and 10 years with Red Bull itself,” the Aussie was quoted by RaceFans.

“I’m sure it’s going to be emotional afterwards, especially when I cross the line for the last time with the team. But I’m going there guns a blazing, showing a lot of love. Hopefully the love shows me back and I can spray some fake champagne on Sunday, which would be a fitting farewell.”

A podium finish would be the way he wants to end his era at Red Bull, even though the Yas Marina Circuit doesn’t exactly suit the RB14’s strengths. It would be his first podium since his win in Monaco back in May.

“Abu Dhabi has always been a pretty good track for me and I enjoy going there. I’m yet to get an Abu Dhabi podium, but that would be a pretty awesome way to end my stint with Red Bull and to end the season.”

The 29-year-old announced his departure from Red Bull at the end of the summer break. Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly will be promoted to fill the seat of Ricciardo.

Ricciardo had had a poor run of form during the past few races, retiring from 8 races this season. Fortunately, he broke the jinx by finishing 4th in Brazil last weekend. He is currently 6th in the championship and will stay where he is regardless of what happens in Abu Dhabi. This is because he is too far behind teammate Verstappen and too far ahead of future teammate Nico Hulkenberg.