EXCLUSIVE: Daniel Ricciardo’s ‘Painful’ F1 Journey and Future Prospects Revealed

Daniel Ricciardo, a fan-favorite in Formula 1, has had his challenging career trajectory and potential return to the sport revisited in an exclusive interview with GPFans. The Australian driver, once hailed as one of the brightest talents on the grid, faced a series of setbacks that ultimately led to his departure from Red Bull Racing and left fans questioning what lies ahead for him.

Ricciardo’s Rise and Fall

Ricciardo’s journey in F1 began with Red Bull’s junior program in 2007. After making his F1 debut at the 2011 British Grand Prix with HRT, he moved to Toro Rosso in 2012 before being promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2014.

During his time with Red Bull, Ricciardo achieved seven of his eight career victories and earned recognition for holding his own against four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. He later partnered with Max Verstappen, a pairing the Dutch driver has described as his favorite in F1.

However, Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull in 2019, fueled by his reluctance to be perceived as Verstappen’s number-two driver, marked the start of a turbulent phase. His move to Renault failed to yield competitive results, and a subsequent stint with McLaren from 2021 saw only flashes of brilliance, including a memorable victory at Monza. The lack of consistent performance led to an early termination of his McLaren contract, leaving Ricciardo without a full-time seat in 2023.

Reflections on McLaren and Red Bull

David Coulthard, a former Red Bull driver and current brand ambassador, spoke candidly about Ricciardo’s struggles during an exclusive interview. He described Ricciardo’s time at McLaren as “painful to watch,” attributing his difficulties to an inability to replicate the performances he delivered at Red Bull.

“For whatever reason, after Renault it just looked difficult for him,” Coulthard said. “At McLaren, he just wasn’t able to meet expectations. Even after returning to Red Bull, the targets set for him seemed out of reach.”

The Next Chapter: Media Stardom?

While Ricciardo’s on-track career appears uncertain, his potential for a successful media career is promising. His charisma and popularity have been amplified through appearances on Netflix’s Drive to Survive and his established fanbase in the U.S.

Coulthard emphasized Ricciardo’s readiness for a media role, stating, “Especially at this time, with where the sport is, Daniel has already built a strong foundation in America. He could have a very successful career as a pundit or media personality.”

What’s Next for Ricciardo?

For now, Ricciardo seems content living life off the grid, but fans remain hopeful for his return, whether as a driver, a commentator, or a key figure in the F1 paddock. His legacy as one of the sport’s most beloved personalities endures, even as his competitive days seem to have reached a crossroads.

As Ricciardo continues to navigate his post-racing career, the F1 community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on one of its most enigmatic stars.