The Australian's performance had declined since he rejoined the grid in 2023, failing to get out of Q1 on multiple occasions for RB and finishing last in of those who took the chequered flag in Singapore.
With the fan favourite unable to better his previous results, team-mate Yuki Tsunoda has been given the nod over the Honey Badger.
Hamilton and Perez set to share record
With what could have been one last flourish, Ricciardo set the fastest lap of the race as the chequered flag fell at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
As the attention now turns to the US GP in Austin – held at the Circuit of the Americas track (COTA), moving there in 2012, it is a venue that has helped transform motorsports in the United States.
With Ricciardo not racing in Austin, both Hamilton and Sergio Perez are set to become the only other drivers on the grid who have raced at all 11 GPs to date at COTA.
The British seven-time champion also holds the most wins at the US GP with six - five of those coming at COTA.
Both Mercedes and Hamilton will be hoping he can replicate his previous success come lights out on Sunday.