“Wild and wonderful.” That’s how Daniel Ricciardo describes his journey through Formula One, a chapter that recently came to a close with the announcement that he would be leaving Red Bull Racing for the remainder of the 2024 season. Although this decision wasn’t completely unexpected, given the speculation about the 35-year-old’s future leading up to last week’s race, his impressive final lap in Singapore served as a fitting farewell, where he referred to it as “one last crack at doing a fast one.”
Ricciardo’s choice of words resonates deeply. With his vibrant personality brought to life in the Netflix series *Drive to Survive*, he exits the sport as one of its most beloved figures. The outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow drivers underscores the impact he’s had on the F1 grid, not just as a talented driver, but also as an awe-inspiring personality.
In a time when Formula One is experiencing a surge in interest fueled by social media, Ricciardo’s infectious smile, engaging interviews, and signature “shoey” celebration—along with his impressive 32 podium finishes—have created unforgettable moments for a wave of new fans. From the start, Ricciardo recognized the opportunities that F1’s Netflix presence presented, but his unfiltered Aussie charm has resonated profoundly back home. His self-deprecating humor and light-hearted approach embody the larrikin spirit that Australia holds dear, especially in his hometown of Perth, which celebrates him as one of its greatest sporting icons.
For many F1 fans, Ricciardo will always be remembered as a colorful character, one of the most dynamic personalities on the grid. However, to define him solely by his charisma would overlook the immense talent and brilliance he exhibited throughout his career. Early in his journey in the sport, it appeared that Australia was on the verge of crowning its first F1 champion since Alan Jones. Fittingly, his pivotal career moments coincide with his rise on *Drive to Survive*, particularly his move from Red Bull to Renault, which became one of the show’s major storylines.
His standout season in 2014 marked his debut with Red Bull after stepping up from Toro Rosso to take over the seat once held by fellow Australian Mark Webber. Seizing opportunities when the dominant Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg faltered, he secured three victories in Canada, Hungary, and Belgium, finishing third in the championship and outshining his teammate, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
As Max Verstappen’s raw talent emerged, Ricciardo remained the Red Bull driver most likely to mount a serious challenge, provided the team could resolve their Renault power unit issues. His crowning moment came at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix in 2018, where, despite battling a failing power unit and operating with only six out of eight gears, he clinched victory after starting from pole position, celebrated with that unforgettable swan dive into the Red Bull swimming pool.
However, his transition to Renault presented challenges, despite a few notable podium finishes, and his subsequent move to McLaren added complications to his career trajectory. While he maintained a strong presence off the track, there were perceptions that he had lost some of his edge, struggling to adapt his aggressive driving style to the McLaren setup. His last victory at Monza in 2021 hinted at the potential he could have had if he had stayed with Red Bull, but the rise of Lando Norris marked an early end to his time with McLaren.
Ricciardo returned to AlphaTauri/Red Bull in 2023, initially as a reserve driver before stepping in for Nyck de Vries, but his much-anticipated comeback did not unfold as he had hoped. With Yuki Tsunoda making strides and Liam Lawson taking over for the remainder of the season, it became clear that his options were dwindling.
Ultimately, Red Bull’s hesitance to provide clarity before the Singapore race meant he did not receive the send-off he truly deserved. Regardless, Ricciardo has been a cornerstone of F1’s narrative over the past decade; any account of the sport would be incomplete without him. His influence, expressed in various forms and always authentically Ricciardo, will continue to resonate in the wild and wonderful world of Formula One.
