Daniel Ricciardo concedes Red Bull “just weren’t quick enough” to challenge for victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in his final outing for the team.
Ricciardo chose a long first stint in comparison to the drivers around him, leading 17 laps before he made his one and only stop for the super-soft tyres.
Red Bull hoped the later pitstop would play into the Australian’s hands in the latter stages, however, he failed to make the progress anticipated, only picking off Valtteri Bottas as he finished fourth just off the podium places.
“It wasn’t the most exciting race,” Ricciardo told TV crews post-race. “I led a bit, that was fun, but it just put me out of reach then with the leaders.
“I don’t know if we had many options. We could have pitted early and kept track position. It’s always hard to know.”
Race winner Lewis Hamilton was the earliest frontrunner to pit on Lap 7, taking his tyres all the way to the chequered flag. Ricciardo later admitted tyre-life hindered his chances to make further gains.
“Lewis pitted really early, and I don’t think anyone thought that would go to the end so strongly,” he said.
“I was just a bit helpless at the end, I couldn’t really do much. The pace advantage [on new tyres] initially was strong then it fell away quite quickly. We just weren’t quick enough.
“I would have loved a podium. I can’t be ecstatic with fourth, to be honest. I was a bit lonely the last few laps. I couldn’t really do much more.”
The seven-time grand prix winner was disappointed to not end his five-year tenure at Red Bull with a podium finish, in his 100th race for the team.
“A third and fourth for the team is solid, and we close this chapter now, so thanks to Red Bull and the whole Red Bull family,” added Ricciardo.
“I would have loved to drink out of my shoe, but we’ll see, there’s still a few hours to go!
“As a whole the time here was good, some amazing memories, and a lot of things I’m sure I’ll reflect on in a few hours.”
