How Daniel Ricciardo basically delivered Max Verstappen's fourth world title
In Formula 1, championships can hinge on the smallest details, even a single point. During the Singapore Grand Prix (won by Norris, with Verstappen second), Daniel Ricciardo provided one final assist to his former team, Red Bull.
Though Ricciardo was running near the back in 18th place, his Racing Bulls team (a subsidiary of Red Bull) called him into the pits to fit soft tires with one clear objective: to break Lando Norris' fastest lap record.
The goal? To deprive Lando Norris of an extra point in the drivers' standings, so that he doesn't get closer to Verstappen. It's a mission that really offers no benefit for Ricciardo at this point.
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While he was probably competing in the last Grand Prix of his career (he will be replaced in the next one), Ricciardo got down to business and set the fastest lap of the race, in 1'34"486, according to the official F1 website.
As a result, Norris is now 52 points behind Verstappen instead of 51, with six races left in the season. This means Norris no longer controls his own fate; if the Dutchman finishes second in all remaining races, he will clinch his fourth world championship, according to Eurosport.
For Ricciardo, this last dance was experienced with emotion: "It was a lap of honour," he explained to Sky Sports, "if Max wins the championship with a one-point lead, I guarantee myself a nice present at Christmas."
Max Verstappen acknowledged Ricciardo's performance by quietly saying, "Thank you, Daniel," to Christian Horner after being informed that the Australian had set the fastest lap.
This situation raises questions about sporting fairness and the advantage of having a 'sister' team. It also marks what could be the final Grand Prix of Daniel Ricciardo’s career, a driver who has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on his generation – especially in his home country.
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