The Formula 1 season wrapped up in Abu Dhabi overnight, with CAMS Ambassador Daniel Ricciardo just missing out on a podium in his final race with Red Bull. 

Ricciardo will make the highly anticipated move to Renault next year, but had hoped to finish 2018 with one final podium – and while it looked like it was going to be possible midway through the race, his teammate Max Verstappen was able to claim spot through what proved to be a better pit and strategy.

The Australian was understandably disappointed with missing out on one final chance to perform his patented ‘’ in Red Bull .

“Obviously I can’t be ecstatic with fourth be honest,” Ricciardo said post-race. 

"A third and fourth for the team, it’s solid. But yeah, we close this chapter now, so thanks to Red Bull and the whole Red Bull family. I would have loved to have drunk out of my shoe. 

“It wasn’t the most exciting race… I don’t know if we had many other options. we could have pitted early and kept track position but it’s always hard to know. 

“So yeah, it was alright, just a bit kind of helpless at the end, I couldn’t really do much. The pace advantage initially was strong and then it fell away quite quickly so we just probably weren’t quick enough.” 

Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton capped off a strong season with yet another win, his 11th victory of 2018 ahead of Sebastian Vettel in second.

“I really wanted to end the season strong, and I think on a personal note, I was able to do that,” Hamilton said.

“On the other side, the team did an exceptional job all year long and I really wanted, race on, off, to deliver for them and wanted to end the way that I plan to start next year. That was kind of the new psyche. So it’s been a really strong weekend, which I’m really happy with.”

Australia once again hosts the season opener at Albert Park in March 2019 when fans will get to see Ricciardo in Renault for the first time.

2018 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Race 
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
2 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 2.581
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 12.706
4 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing 15.379
5 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 47.957
6 Carlos Sainz Jr. Renault 1:12.548
7 Charles Leclerc Sauber 1:30.789
8 Sergio Perez Racing Point Force India 1:31.275
9 Romain Grosjean Haas 1 L
10 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1 L
11 Fernando Alonso McLaren 1 L
12 Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso 1 L
13 Lance Stroll Williams 1 L
14 Stoffel Vandoorne McLaren 1 L
15 Sergey Sirotkin Williams 1 L
16 Pierre Gasly Toro Rosso
17 Esteban Ocon Racing Point Force India
18 Marcus Ericsson Sauber
19 Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari
20 Nico Hulkenberg Renault