F1 News, Reports and Race Results

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."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Vowles defends struggling Williams: ‘Positive changes are masked’

Formula 1’s summer shutdown arrived at Williams less like a moment of celebration and more…

2 hours ago

Formula 1 Q2 financial results hit by disrupted calendar

Formula 1’s commercial momentum encountered a sharp financial slowdown in the second quarter of 2026,…

4 hours ago

Aston Martin splits its famous name to survive financial storm

Aston Martin has secured a crucial £550 million financing package by giving up majority control…

5 hours ago

Smedley fires back at Norris critics: ‘He’s the real deal’

Lando Norris may be Formula 1’s reigning world champion, but Rob Smedley believes the McLaren…

6 hours ago

Honda recalls January reality that shattered F1 engine hopes

Honda entered Formula 1’s new era believing it had built the foundations of a competitive…

22 hours ago

Leclerc says Madrid’s La Monumental will ‘reward the brave’

Charles Leclerc’s early verdict on Madrid’s brand-new Madring suggests the rest of the F1 grid…

23 hours ago