David Coulthard left ‘cutting onions’ after ‘behind the scenes’ Daniel Ricciardo photos

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Daniel Ricciardo was one of the most popular drivers on the Formula 1 grid. But his career seems to be at an end after RB dropped him for Liam Lawson for the final six races.

Many of the sport’s biggest names sent messages to the Australian after the announcement at the end of September. Lewis Hamilton called Ricciardo a ‘legend’, while former teammate Max Verstappen left a comment too.

Lando Norris visited Ricciardo’s garage after the Singapore Grand Prix to say goodbye in person. While there hadn’t been official confirmation, it was all but certain that he wouldn’t be on the grid come Austin.

Ricciardo has decided not to attend the US Grand Prix, where he likely would have been the centre of attention. It’s unclear what he’ll do next.

Christian Horner has offered Ricciardo an ambassadorial role, a lucrative position that would allow the team to tap into his commercial value. Having already rejected a return to the reserve driver gig, he’s yet to give an answer.

He could also continue his career in another series, with NASCAR the standout option given his past remarks. Ricciardo will receive the keys to Austin on his next visit, which speaks to his popularity in the United States.

David Coulthard emotional as Daniel Ricciardo posts photos from final race

On Thursday, Ricciardo shared a series of ‘BTS’ (‘behind the scenes’) photos from the Singapore weekend. While there was no official farewell, he did pose for a picture with his RB mechanics in the pit lane, something a driver typically does before they leave.

There was also a camera crew following the 35-year-old. These may have been Netflix staff – Drive to Survive documented Ricciardo’s final weekend.

Norris also featured in the carousel, having travelled with his old teammate. The McLaren driver won the race ahead of Verstappen.

In the comments, the emotional former F1 driver David Coulthard wrote: “Don’t mind me… just cutting onions.”

Daniel Ricciardo swaps helmets with one driver after F1 farewell

One leading Drive to Survive producer is ‘sad’ to lose Ricciardo given his contribution to the series. They may invite him back for future series in a different capacity.

Giedo van der Garde has urged Ricciardo to go into television, suggesting he has the ‘personality’ for it. It would be no surprise if numerous major broadcasters made offers for his services.

In a sporting sense, he’ll be succeeded by Oscar Piastri. The McLaren driver is now his country’s sole representative at the highest level of motorsport.

Ricciardo swapped helmets with Piastri after the race in Singapore. Many will see that as a symbolic passing of the torch.