Daniel Ricciardo is one of the unique characters in Formula 1, even if his results – eight wins, three pole positions and 32 podium finishes across 13 seasons – do not make him an all-time great. Known for his shoeys, jokes, tattoos, and shouts, the Australian driver’s authenticity has drawn in fans over the years. His peak came during his Red Bull days (2014-2018), and his last podium finish was when he won the Italian Grand Prix in 2021. Despite two hiatuses due to moving away from McLaren and surgery while competing for AlphaTauri, he was still seen as a competitor who lacked consistency in 2024. RB announced that Liam Lawson would replace Ricciardo for the rest of the 2024 season, despite criticisms from fans about the unconventional exit.
Ricciardo’s F1 career began with him joining the grid with HRT in 2011, replacing Narain Karthikeyan. He typically finished near the back of the grid, but was often out-qualifying his teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi. He was promoted to Toro Rosso by Red Bull the following year and scored his first points in 2012. With Red Bull from 2014-2018, Ricciardo thrived and showed his potential to onlookers. He won three races in 2014 in Montreal, Hungary and Belgium and finished third in the driver standings for that year. Despite Red Bull’s 2015 struggles, Ricciardo managed to secure some podium finishes, but he started battling with rising teammate Max Verstappen. Ricciardo left Red Bull for Renault in 2019, which led to just a few podium finishes before he moved to McLaren. Red Bull kept Ricciardo in the sport as a “third driver” after his contract with McLaren ended a year early.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner noted that Ricciardo had “picked up some bad habits” during his time at McLaren, but working with his old engineering team helped him regain his form. Ricciardo replaced Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri after the latter’s dismissal and soon showed his hunger for competition. Replaced by Lawson due to injury, Ricciardo desired a return to Red Bull. However, his inconsistent 2024 form, coupled with Sergio Pérez’s struggles, caused some to question his potential return to Red Bull. When it was announced that Ricciardo was being replaced at RB, Horner said the Australian knew he gave it his best shot and had a successful career, but the next chapter was not meant to be.
Ricciardo’s involvement in the Netflix docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’ greatly increased his popularity in the sport. His funny and personable character on the show endeared him to fans, and he became a large part of why many new fans became interested in F1. His major career moves were encapsulated in the series, such as his monumental win at Monaco in 2018. Clips from the show after Ricciardo’s departure from McLaren reflected on his time in F1, with a producer suggesting that it might be Ricciardo’s last time in the chair. The Australian driver responded with a joke, as per his character.
After the Singapore GP, fans started sharing edits on social media celebrating Ricciardo with posts paired with songs like ‘Pink Skies’ by Zach Bryan. Other F1 drivers and teams also shared their thoughts on the Australian, celebrating him for always being himself. Ricciardo has become larger than F1 itself, with appearances on talk shows, launching a merch line and wine collection, and attending the Met Gala. Following news of Lawson replacing him, fans started questioning if Ricciardo was considering retiring.
Whatever Ricciardo’s next move may be, he’s spoken about being proud of his career in Singapore. He expressed satisfaction in the effort he put in and stressed there is no regret. Speculation about him moving to NASCAR or Supercars or transitioning to broadcasting like other retired drivers is rife. With his talent and popularity, Ricciardo could be offered an ambassadorial role with Red Bull, according to Horner. This role would allow the charismatic Australian to stay in the world of F1.
