Ricciardo expects 'emotional' Red Bull farewell in Abu Dhabi

Daniel Ricciardo expects the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to be an "emotional" affair as he gears up for his final race as a Red Bull driver. After a decade under the Red bull umbrella, Ricciardo will depart for Renault in 2019, having expressed his desire for a change of scenery.

The Australian's final season with Red Bull has been a mixed bag to say the least – victories in China and Monaco balanced against a season-high eight DNFs and a failure to take another podium finish.

Ricciardo's best result in Abu Dhabi is a fourth-place finish from 2014, but he is determined to go at least one better next weekend to end his Red Bull career on a high.

"Abu Dhabi has always been a pretty good track for me and I enjoy going there," he said.

"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. 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 10 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."

MORE: Ricciardo confident bad luck won't follow to Renault
MORE: Verstappen would have been 'weak' to veto Sainz