A Tribute to Daniel Ricciardo

8 Grand Prix victories. 32 podiums. 257 race starts. After 13 years of racing under the number 3, Daniel Ricciardo has hung up his helmet for what might very well be the last time. But it wasn't without a fight.

At the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo picked up the fastest time on the last lap, stealing the bonus point from race winner Lando Norris and potentially handing the World Championship to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. Ricciardo left the paddock at 3 a.m. that night, departing for the last time as the fastest driver on track and with a legendary reputation as one of the most beloved Formula 1 drivers.

Throughout his F1 career, hundreds upon thousands of fans have attributed Ricciardo as the reason for getting into the sport in the first place. He was arguably the best and most entertaining part of the popular Netflix docuseries "Drive to Survive."

He had a natural gift for making people around him smile and laugh and was well-liked by everyone in the paddock, both staff and fans alike. He was one of the most genuine drivers you could run into.

An honorary Texan. An aggressive driver with daring overtakes and insane speed. A fan favorite. Charismatic, optimistic, funny, iconic. The heart of Formula 1.

Thank you Daniel Ricciardo for the joy you brought to people's lives. Thank you for all the smiles, all the jokes, all the shoeys, and all the thrilling, edge-of-your-seat racing. Formula 1 will never be the same again without you.