Daniel Ricciardo's hopes of perhaps giving Mercedes a run for its money in the final round of the season did not pan out, with the Aussie finishing fifth in Abu Dhabi.
While Red Bull's strategy of starting its drivers on Pirelli's SuperSoft compound instead of the more widely used Ultra-Soft wasn't a bad choice, Ricciardo's early change to Soft tyres on lap 10 negated the advantage as Max Verstappen's prolonged first stint demonstrated.
Following his second stop, Ricciardo managed to undercut Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari for fifth but that was as good as it was going to get for the Red Bull driver.
"We lost out a little bit at the start but we could hold our ground in the beginning on the SuperSoft," said Ricciardo.
"In hindsight we should have gone longer on it, and one-stopped the race. Obviously it worked a lot better for Max.
"If we were in front of the Ferrari it made sense to try and hold position in front of them, but in the end we were close to getting an overcut on them but it didn't work out and we just struggled a lot behind them, killing the tyres a bit . I tried to pass a few times but couldn't make it work."
Overall, Ricciardo's 2016 performance brings him third place in the drivers' championship, a result satisfies the smiling Australian given his prospects at the beginning of the season.
"Looking at the season overall, I'm super happy and very pleased with the year. It's definitely been more highs and lows this year, a lot of podiums, good chunk of points.
"Not as many wins as in 2014 but definitely as many satisfying races. I got amongst it when I could, but I thought it was a good 2016, I'm very very happy."
REPORT: Hamilton wins, as Rosberg takes title in Abu Dhabi
Jenson Button's F1 career: 17 seasons, 15 wins
Silbermann says ... Parting gifts galore
Chris Medland's 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…
Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…
Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…
Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…
Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…
Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…