Drifting into the heavily humid air of Singapore, a blue and black car could be seen driving in 18th place as the honey badger made his way around the track. Knowing it was his last run, Daniel Ricciardo charged into the finish line for a last hurrah, setting the fast lap for the final time.
Ricciardo’s Formula One career appears to have reached its conclusion, marking the end of an era for the charismatic Australian driver. After 257 races, 32 podiums, and eight victories, Ricciardo’s legendary run in Formula One has come down to his last race in Singapore. His departure from Visa CashApp RB was announced ahead of the United States Grand Prix, with the team choosing to replace him with promising young talent Liam Lawson. This decision came as a shock to many, especially considering Ricciardo’s recent efforts to reignite his career and potentially secure a return to the top-tier Red Bull Racing team. Although he hasn’t officially mentioned ‘retirement,’ his heartfelt Instagram post about leaving Formula One, coupled with the lack of a seat for him on the 2025 grid, suggests that while his driving talents may find a new path, his days in Formula One are clearly over. Let’s take a look at Riccardo’s memory lane through this article.
Starting his Formula One journey in 2011, he would become one of the sport’s most beloved figures with his dancing smile and clean sense of humor. The Australian driver quickly made a name for himself, ascending through the ranks to join Red Bull Racing, where he truly shined. According to the New York Times, Ricciardo gained an impressive seven Grand Prix victories during this time. However, his career took unexpected turns as he moved to Renault and later McLaren, where he struggled to replicate his earlier success. He chose to move from Red Bull to Renault due the pressure he felt of always being behind Max Verstappen, in that team he will be nothing but a second driver. As the 2023 Formula One season unfolded, Ricciardo found himself at a crossroads in his career. After a challenging stint with McLaren that ended in 2022, the Australian driver was initially uncertain about his future in the sport. However, the competitive fire still burned within him, and he saw a glimmer of hope when Sergio Pérez began to struggle at Red Bull Racing. Sensing an opportunity to return to his former team, Ricciardo set his sights on a potential comeback. He believed that if he could deliver two strong performances, he might just convince Red Bull to give him another shot at the top-tier team. This motivation fueled Ricciardo’s determination as he prepared for what he considered to be potentially the most crucial races of his career, knowing that a successful showing could reignite his journey towards the front of the grid where he longed to compete once again. A comeback that was never finished.
His impact on the sport extends far beyond his on-track achievements. Known for his infectious smile and vibrant personality, Ricciardo has become one of F1’s most beloved figures, with a popularity that transcends the traditional boundaries of motorsport. His charisma has led to appearances on major U.S. talk shows, a feat matched only by the seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton in terms of crossover appeal. “I think I am exhausted after the race,” Ricciardo said to Yahoo Sports. “The cockpit is something I got very used to for many years. And yeah, just want to savor the moment.” While his racing future remains uncertain, Ricciardo’s options outside F1 are intriguing. NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has extended an open invitation for Ricciardo to try his hand at stock car racing, a nod to the Australian’s admiration for Dale Earnhardt Sr. However, Ricciardo has ruled out competing in IndyCar, citing safety concerns.
As he contemplates his next move, Ricciardo’s legacy as one of F1’s most magnetic personalities ensures his influence will continue to be felt both within and beyond the motorsport world.
