Last year, Daniel Ricciardo bid farewell to Formula 1. After a lengthy career in the sport, he had to hang up his racing suit prematurely, following a final stint with Racing Bulls. This was a loss for many racing fans who had taken the affable Australian to their hearts, thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive and the many humorous interviews he gave over the years. Ricciardo is now enjoying a quieter life and is trying to reinvent himself off the track.
The 36-year-old Ricciardo abruptly left Formula 1 when he was unexpectedly replaced at Racing Bulls in the second half of 2024. After a long and successful period at Red Bull, the Honey Badger had a few inconsistent years at Renault and McLaren, before finding himself without a seat in 2023. The then AlphaTauri gave him Nyck de Vries’ spot after ten Grand Prix, but in the 2024 season, Ricciardo himself ended up on the chopping block. After the Singapore Grand Prix, his departure was finalized.
Since leaving Formula 1, Ricciardo has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Social media posts reveal that he has been focusing on business ventures, from owning a wine company to a successful clothing brand. The former driver does not seem interested in returning to motorsports and has not been seen in the paddock since. When he does appear in public, his curls and lush facial hair are immediately noticeable. At the so-called Ray White Connect conference in Queensland, this new Ricciardo gave a candid insight into his life.
Time for Silence
“Well, I haven’t shaved my face,” he began, referring to his new look. “The beard is now my comfort,” he added with a laugh. “I’ve done a lot of self-reflection this year. I’ve led this crazy, fast life for a very long time; this year was time for a bit more silence around me.” Literally, as the Australian explained: “I’ve had a lot of time to hike. A few weeks ago, I was in Alaska. I wasn’t attacked by a grizzly bear, so that’s a bonus,” he joked.
“I’ve tried to figure out who I am, separate from the whole driver image,” Ricciardo continued seriously. “I’ve started to appreciate the little things more and have rediscovered the meaning of friends and family – I’ve always been driven, and that sometimes leads to selfishness. That’s why I’m trying to learn to be more selfless and to listen better,” he concluded.
