Ricciardo expecting 'emotional' Red Bull farewell

Daniel Ricciardo says that he is expecting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend to be emotional for him, as he will drive with Red Bull for the last time. The Australian will leave the energy drink squad at the end of the year, joining Nico Hulkenberg at Renault.

Ricciardo's relationship with Red Bull stretches back to 2008, when he joined its junior programme. After spending two years at junior team Toro Rosso, Ricciardo joined Red Bull in 2014 and has gone to 29 podiums, including seven wins.

2018 has been a difficult campaign for the Perth born racer, retiring from eight Grands Prix. He picked up victories in China and Monaco, but hasn't found himself finishing in the top three since.

But he is hoping to end the season on a high: “Abu Dhabi has always been a pretty good track for me and I enjoy going there. 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.”