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Ricciardo expecting 'emotional' end to Red Bull stint in Abu Dhabi

Next week, Daniel Ricciardo will pull the curtain down on his life with Red Bull and the Aussie is expecting the emotions to kick in.

After 138 races in F1 with the Red Bull family, 38 of which were run with Toro Rosso, Ricciardo will embark on a new adventure next season when he moves to Renault.

Unfortunately, the Honey Badger will remember his final campaign with the Milton Keynes-based outfit as one marked by wretched luck, although he did succeed in adding two wins to his career tally.

A good result at Yas Marina for his final outing with the team would therefore offer a semblance of consolation.

"Abu Dhabi has always been a pretty good track for me and I enjoy going there," Ricciardo said in his team's race preview.

"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.

"Having a twilight race is always cool, the weather is good, so there’s not much not to like about the place.

©RedBull

"I love the third sector, it’s my favourite part of the track for sure, through the hotel and all that is good fun."

"Abu Dhabi marks the end of five years with the team and ten years with Red Bull itself.

"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."

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Michael Delaney

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