END OF THE ROAD - END OF JOB - BUT NOT THE END OF LIFE!

As an aspiring sports lawyer with ambitions of building personal relationships with athletes, I can only imagine what high-level performers go through when it becomes crystal clear to them, and to the world watching, that their last goal, point, or, in this case, lap 62/62 of the Singapore Grand Prix—though the fastest lap of the race—was the final lap of their career.

Daniel Ricciardo is one of the best race car drivers my generation has seen. He helped bring attention to the exclusive sport of Formula 1 for many people, myself included. We often saw Formula 1 drivers as unrelatable rich kids in insanely expensive go-karts, traveling around the world and earning high salaries. However, Danny Ricc was a kind, genuine, and positive figure to watch. He made a positive impact on every team he raced for, and in every interview he gave, even his very last, as difficult as that may have been( Watch Here ).

Formula 1 is an insanely competitive sport that often strains personal relationships. It pins teammates against each other and can make drivers obsess over winning. However, 'The Honey Badger'—Danny Ricc—was one of the few drivers who never let the pressures of his job get in the way of his happiness and good character. Despite a difficult end to his career, we will never forget the successes, the podiums, the overtakes, and, of course, the 'shoeys' that followed each of his race wins. He will forever remain a legend.

Although we view our sports and entertainment icons as superheroes, we should never forget that they, too, are humans who face fear, stress, and often experience failure like the rest of us. If you find yourself at the end of your career in a certain company, with your contract not being extended or facing rejection and layoffs—when, like Danny Ricc, you have to admit that 'this might be it' as you hand in your work computer and badge ID to security on your way out—yes, you can cry. But remember to be kind to yourself and not beat yourself up. Always remind yourself that you gave it your best, that you tried, and you fought all the way to the end. We miss 100% of the shots we do not take. You not only took those shots with bravery, but best of all, you won’t live with the biggest regret of all: the regret of not trying.

These moments happen to all of us; they should never be viewed as weaknesses to shy away from, but rather as monuments that testify to our willingness to get up and walk, even after falling multiple times. Whether it's the end of a contract, a job, a relationship, or whatever it may be, it’s not the end of life.

"I couldn't have lived without trying." — David Brent, Life on the Road (mockumentary)

Here is a final montage of the beautiful career of Daniel Ricciardo that we will cherish forever. (Click here.)