Daniel Ricciardo delivers a bit of magic in what could be his F1 swan song

In the closing laps of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the matter was largely settled. Lando Norris had built a commanding lead over Max Verstappen, and barring disaster the McLaren driver was going to deliver his third win of the season and help extend the team’s lead over Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.

But one driver still had a little magic left in him and delivered a lap that might not be crucial when the season comes to a close, but also might be his farewell to the sport he loves.

In those closing laps, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team called Daniel Ricciardo, who was at the back of the field, in to bolt on a set of soft tires. Ricciardo lumbered out of the pits and then roared around the Marina Bay Street Circuit, putting in a thunderous lap of just 1:34.486, grabbing the fastest lap of the race from Norris, whose best was a 1:34.925.

Ricciardo also reached a jaw-dropping 188.218 kilometers per hour on that lap, the quickest of the race by far:

Was that his final moment of glory in the sport?

Throughout the entire season, rumors have followed the Australian driver, questioning if he would be able to hold onto his seat at VCARB for next season. In recent weeks, however, the timeframe has shifted, such that when Ricciardo arrived in Singapore this week there was speculation that it could be his final race. Every bit of oversteer on the track, every brush with the barriers, saw the cameras pan ominously to Liam Lawson, the team’s reserve driver, and a potential Ricciardo replacement.

Ricciardo was forced to address those rumors during media day Thursday while stating that his goal for the week was to put the RB01 on the podium. Perhaps a stunning drive would save his seat, and stave off a benching that was seeming inevitable.

But a difficult qualifying performance made the odds of such a miracle drive that much longer, and in the end, Ricciardo’s moment of glory came by taking that fastest lap, in what could be his final race.

Following the checkered flag, Ricciardo was spotted taking a little extra time in his RB01 before climbing out. Was that the effect of 62 laps in a “sauna,” as described by George Russell during the Singapore Grand Prix?

Or a driver saying goodbye?

In perhaps another acknowledgement of the moment, Ricciardo was voted by fans as the “Driver of the Day.” This award often goes to Norris each race weekend due to the McLaren driver’s incredible popularity, and matching performances this season:

Interestingly enough, that bonus point for the fastest lap could be critical at the end of the season. Had Norris held onto that bonus point, he would have closed the gap to Max Verstappen by eight points. Instead, Norris whittled that gap by just seven points, and with how this race is shaping up, every point counts. Red Bull believes that upcoming circuits could suit the RB20 far more than the Singapore streets, but having that extra point could matter in the end in the fight between Verstappen and Norris in the Drivers’ Championship.

How much could it matter? This much:

As the checkered flag flew Verstappen was informed by his team of that feat from Ricciardo. “Your old pal Daniel picked up the fastest lap there.”

“Thank you, Daniel,” was the response from Verstappen.

Thank you, Daniel, indeed.