F1 news: Daniel Ricciardo reveals the moment he decided to quit Red Bull for Renault

Ricciardo announced in August that he has agreed a two-year deal to join the French manufacturers ahead of the 2019 season.

And that means this Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be his last race after more than 10 years on Red Bull’s books.

Ricciardo’s impending switch came as a surprise to many given his lengthy stint with Red Bull and their strength compared to Renault.

Daniel Ricciardo has now revealed all on the exact moment he decided to quit Red Bull for Renault.

And it came on a flight to California after July’s Hungarian Grand Prix, during which he thought over his life and F1 career so far.

“At this point on the flight, we were almost descending into LA,” Ricciardo told The Players’ Tribune.

“I was close to my answer. I had gone through so many happy memories…

“The thoughts were coming thick and fast now because I was in the present. My mind was right where it needed to be: the halfway point of this year.

“At times, this season has been incredibly difficult. I’ve talked about rolling with the punches… but man, even I get sore after a while. I’m human.

“But I really want you all to hear this: I hope everyone understands that Red Bull is so much more than a brand. It’s a family, it’s a statement of what’s possible.

“If a team can do all this; win football leagues, build the fastest cars, sign the best gamers, run air races, what are we all capable of? Red Bull just does rad s**t, and I have loved being a part of it.

“I feel incredibly privileged to have driven for Red Bull Racing and been part of the Red Bull family for 10 years.

“They gave me my break, and without Dr. [Helmut] Marko spotting me all those years ago, I don’t think I would have been able to make my way to F1, to my dream job.

“I will remember this team, these great people, this family, forever. And that thought, right there, is when I found clarity.

“I’ve done so much with Red Bull… I’ve become who I’ve always wanted to be, right by their side.

“And I know, I know, that I can leave having given them my everything and having received the same in return.

“But I needed to listen to my heart, I needed to go it alone and make my own decision.

“Change is scary — it’s f**king terrifying. And I know the next part of my journey won’t always be easy, but I had to take this step to try to be the best version of me.

“That’s all it was. It was the next step, the next leap, a new challenge.”

Ricciardo has admitted he does not know what the future holds once he heads to Renault to race alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

And he has acknowledged driving for Red Bull for the last time will be tough given his ties to the Milton Keynes-based team.

“I’m going to Renault next year, and I’m going with an open mind and a full heart,” Ricciardo added.

“Nobody has a crystal ball, or can predict the future or the results of my decision, but nonetheless a decision was made.

“But for now I want to end this year strong. It’s not going to be easy, mentally. I know that.

“Each lap I turn in the car will mean one lap closer to my last in a Red Bull race suit.

“And when I get out for the final time in Abu Dhabi… I think I’m going to have a right good cry. Maybe a few of ’em.

“Then winter will come, I’ll go meet my new Renault friends, and I’ll start anew.”

Ricciardo is set to finish sixth in the World Drivers’ Championship standings regardless of what happens at Sunday’s race at the Yas Marina Circuit.