Ricciardo left speechless by "f**ked up" championship ending

Ewan Gale
Wednesday 15 December 2021 06:00

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed his confusion over the "pretty f**ked up" ending to a remarkable F1 season in Abu Dhabi.

The McLaren driver's former team-mate Max Verstappen took his maiden title with a last-lap move on rival Lewis Hamilton after a controversial safety car period.

The FIA backtracked on an initial instruction for backmarkers to remain in formation behind the safety and changed a ruling to allow just five drivers - between then-leader Hamilton and Verstappen - to unlap themselves a lap and a half from the end of the grand prix.

Ricciardo had pitted moments before and was one of three additional backmarkers affected as he was unable to unlap himself and mount a charge, eventually finishing 12th.

Speaking on his team radio at the end of the race, the Australian said: "I am glad I am not a part of that, whatever just happened. It seemed pretty f**ked up."

Addressing the situation surrounding the decision to bring in the safety car for the final lap, Ricciardo explained: "I was confused because I got that message that they won't overtake.

"In my head I was like 'Yeah, that seems okay' and I guess fair because Lewis had such a lead and Max had fresher tyres and this way he has to cut through a few cars if he wants to win the race.

"I saw a few cars overtake so I was like 'What do I do? Do I pass?'. I think Tom [Stallard, race engineer] said I have to stay here.

"I literally got front-row seats for the last lap and I was also on newer softs so I was like 'Do I pass both of them?' No, I am just kidding.

"I am honestly a bit speechless. I don't know what to make of all that. Speechless."