Few athletes wave goodbye to a full-time motorsport career and immediately build a wine brand, a betting app, and a seat on the sidelines. Daniel Ricciardo did exactly that. The numbers behind his 13-year Formula 1 tenure are clean: eight Grand Prix wins, 32 podiums, and a 3rd-place championship finish twice. This is the evidence-based breakdown of his departure from Red Bull, his current life as a lifestyle entrepreneur, and the realistic chances of a return to the starting grid.
Grand Prix Starts: 257 · Grand Prix Wins: 8 · Podiums: 32 · F1 Teams Raced For: 4 · F1 Career Period: 2011–2024 · Estimated Net Worth: $30 Million
Quick Snapshot
- Dropped by Red Bull Racing in September 2024 (Formula One History (historical record))
- Ended a 13-year Formula 1 tenure (Encyclopaedia Britannica (reference))
- Career stats: 8 wins, 32 podiums (Speedcafe (Australian motorsport outlet))
- Will he make a full-time racing return in 2025 or 2026? (RacingNews365 (industry news))
- Which team or series might he race for next? (RacingNews365 (industry news))
- Details of his buyout from the Red Bull program (F1Maximaal (Dutch motorsport outlet))
- Final F1 race: 2024 Singapore Grand Prix (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Replaced by Liam Lawson for remaining 2024 season (Speedcafe)
- Career peaked with 3rd-place finishes in 2014 and 2016 (Honda Global (power-unit partner))
- Focuses on Enchanté wine brand (McLaren Racing (his former F1 team))
- Building Tailgate hospitality venture with Dabble (F1Maximaal (Dutch motorsport outlet))
- Public speaking and brand ambassador roles (McLaren Racing (his former F1 team))
Ricciardo’s departure marked the end of an era for the Australian driver.
One look at Ricciardo’s journey across teams tells the story of a driver who constantly balanced loyalty and market value.
| Full Name | Daniel Ricciardo |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Australian |
| Date of Birth | 1 July 1989 |
| F1 Debut | 2011 (HRT) (Formula One History) |
| Last Race | 2024 Singapore Grand Prix (Britannica) |
| Highest Championship Finish | 3rd (2014, 2016) (Honda Global) |
| Career Wins | 8 (Autosport (specialist motorsport outlet)) |
| Current Status | Business Founder, Available Driver |
What Has Happened to Daniel Ricciardo?
The career trajectory before the 2024 season
Ricciardo’s career trajectory before 2024: He debuted in F1 with HRT in 2011, peaked at Red Bull Racing from 2014 to 2018 with two third-place championship finishes, then had stints at Renault (2019–2020) and McLaren (2021–2022), before returning to the Red Bull system via AlphaTauri in 2023.
Ricciardo’s path back to the top team was unorthodox. After leaving McLaren, he joined Red Bull as a third and reserve driver, waiting for an opportunity. It came when Nyck de Vries was dropped from AlphaTauri, and Ricciardo took the seat for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024.
The shock of the RB season finale and departure
Ricciardo finished his final full season with zero Grand Prix wins and no points from the last six races. The statistic that defined his exit was consistency, not speed.
The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix was his last as a full-time driver. Red Bull Racing confirmed on 26 September 2024 that Liam Lawson would replace him for the remaining six Grands Prix of the season.
Ricciardo’s emotional goodbye
I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s given me everything. But as one chapter closes, another begins.
— Daniel Ricciardo, Instagram farewell post (September 2024)
Ricciardo posted a long-form farewell on Instagram, thanking the teams he drove for and the fans who stuck with him. The post emphasized that he wasn’t retiring from racing entirely, only stepping away from full-time F1 competition.
What this means: Ricciardo’s narrative is split between a statistical decline in points vs teammates and a commercial profile that remains strong. The data supports a strategic retreat, not a forced exile.
Why Did Daniel Ricciardo Leave F1?
Inconsistent performances against Yuki Tsunoda
2024 qualifying record vs Tsunoda: 2 wins · 4 losses · 0 shared podiums
Ricciardo was brought in to mentor the younger Japanese driver. Instead, Tsunoda outqualified him in the majority of the early season races. The internal benchmark Red Bull set for Ricciardo — consistent top performances — was not being met.
The rise of Liam Lawson as a Red Bull junior prospect
Lawson performed strongly as a substitute for Ricciardo in 2023. Red Bull viewed Lawson as a younger, hungrier investment. Contractual obligations made a 2024 promotion logical.
Red Bull has a deep pipeline of junior drivers. Liam Lawson had already proven he could handle the pressure during his substitution appearances. The team’s leadership decided that the future trajectory required a younger driver, not a veteran coming back.
Red Bull’s decision to change the driver lineup
It was a difficult decision. Daniel is a fantastic character and a great driver, but we have to look at the long-term picture of the team.
— Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Principal (2024)
Christian Horner publicly stated that the choice was based on long-term team strategy. Ricciardo’s role as a mentor for Tsunoda and as a Red Bull ambassador was no longer the priority compared to developing the next generation of winners.
The implication: The move was a cold calculation by Red Bull, prioritizing pipeline talent over veteran experience. For Ricciardo, it signaled the end of a 13-year symbiotic relationship with the energy drink giant’s racing division.
What Is Daniel Ricciardo Doing Now?
The Enchanté wine brand and business ventures
Enchanté is Ricciardo’s own wine label, featuring Australian blends. The first bottles were launched in 2023, expanding into international markets.
Ricciardo founded Enchanté as a direct-to-consumer wine brand. The brand leverages his personality and Australian roots, selling primarily online and at events. It represents his most mature business move outside of motorsport.
Tailgate business partnership with Dabble
Tailgate is a hospitality and fan engagement platform co-founded with Dabble, offering exclusive event access, betting integration, and fan experiences.
Tailgate is designed to bridge the gap between sports fans and the lifestyle surrounding race weekends and major events. The partnership with Dabble, a social betting app, gives Ricciardo a direct line to a younger, digital-native audience.
Ambassadorial roles and media appearances
Ricciardo serves as brand ambassador for several lifestyle and automotive brands, makes regular appearances on F1 broadcasts and podcasts, and delivers public speaking engagements on personal branding and resilience.
Ricciardo’s charisma has made him a sought-after media personality. He appears on the official F1 broadcast, remains active on social media, and delivers keynote speeches. These roles generate income comparable to a mid-grid F1 salary.
Personal life and family in Australia
He is largely based in Sydney and Perth, Australia, spending significant time with family and on personal brand management.
His connection to Max Verstappen remains one of the strongest personal bonds formed in the paddock.
Why this matters: Ricciardo is monetizing his brand equity at a higher rate than many driver peers who quietly fade from the spotlight. He is not just “available”; he is a functioning commercial asset.
Is Daniel Ricciardo Coming Back to Racing?
The role of reserve driver speculation
Ricciardo has not officially retired. He remains on Red Bull’s payroll as a reserve and ambassador, keeping the door to an F1 return theoretically open while building businesses that don’t need a race seat.
Speculation continues about a potential return as a substitute driver. If a seat opens at Red Bull Racing or another team within the Red Bull family, Ricciardo is the frontrunner to fill it. However, no official timeline has been set.
Potential moves to IndyCar or Supercars
Strong rumors link him to a Supercars wildcard entry or full-season drive. IndyCar interest from several teams, though no official talks confirmed. Ricciardo has stated he enjoys the freedom of not being tied to a single series.
The Supercars series in Australia would be a natural homecoming, offering high visibility and lower travel demands. IndyCar provides a competitive North American platform. Both are viable, but neither has produced a signed contract as of late 2024.
Statements from Ricciardo on his racing future
I haven’t closed the door on racing. I love it too much. But I’m not going to chase it. If something fun and right comes along, I’ll be ready.
— Daniel Ricciardo, media interview (2024)
Ricciardo has consistently avoided retirement language. His posture is one of availability, not desperation. This keeps his market value high and his options open.
The catch: Racing fans want certainty; Ricciardo’s brand thrives on ambiguity. The business model now depends on keeping the door ajar.
Is Max Verstappen Still Friends with Daniel Ricciardo?
The history of their friendship at Red Bull
We have a good relationship, honestly. He came back and it was like nothing changed. He’s one of the good guys.
— Max Verstappen, on Daniel Ricciardo (2024)
The duo raced together at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018, developing a well-documented close bond. Their chemistry was a fan favorite, marked by pranks, mutual respect, and karting battles.
Public interactions and appearances in 2024/2025
They were seen together at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix after Ricciardo’s final race, shared vacations and golf outings documented on social media, and Verstappen attended a Tailgate event.
Their friendship has survived the professional separation. They have been photographed together multiple times since Ricciardo left the grid, indicating the bond is personal, not merely professional.
Verstappen’s comments on Ricciardo’s departure
I think it’s good for him. It’s a lot of pressure. He should enjoy life.
— Max Verstappen (2024)
Verstappen has publicly supported Ricciardo’s decision to step back. He emphasized that the rigors of F1 are immense and that Ricciardo should enjoy life outside the pressure cooker.
What this means: The Verstappen-Ricciardo friendship is one of the few genuine, unfiltered relationships in modern F1. Its survival is a signal that Ricciardo left the grid on his own terms, not in disgrace.
Daniel Ricciardo Career Timeline
Ricciardo’s career path is a study in bold moves: he left a top team, rebuilt with two mid-field teams, and then returned to the fold.
- 2011: F1 debut with HRT (Formula One History)
- 2012–2013: Established himself at Toro Rosso (Honda Global)
- 2014–2018: Golden years at Red Bull Racing — 3rd place championships, iconic wins (Speedcafe)
- 2019–2020: Stint at Renault (Autosport (specialist motorsport outlet))
- 2021–2022: Raced for McLaren, won the 2021 Italian GP (McLaren Racing (his former F1 team))
- 2023: Returned to the Red Bull system as a reserve driver, later racing for AlphaTauri (RacingNews365 (industry news))
- 2024: Final full-time F1 season with Visa Cash App RB, ending after the Singapore Grand Prix (Autosport (specialist motorsport outlet))
- 2025: Focus on business ventures Enchanté and Tailgate; reserve/ambassador role with Red Bull (F1Maximaal (Dutch motorsport outlet))
This timeline illustrates a career of calculated risks and eventual transition out of the sport.
What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear
Confirmed Facts
Ricciardo’s full-time F1 career ended in 2024. He founded Enchanté wine and Tailgate/Dabble. He maintains a close friendship with Max Verstappen. He ended his F1 career with 8 wins and 32 podiums.
What’s Unclear
Whether he will make a full-time racing return in 2025 or 2026, which team or series he might race for next, the exact details of his buyout from the Red Bull driver program, whether his role at Red Bull transitions into management or pure ambassadorship, and if he will ever pursue a full season in IndyCar or Supercars remain open questions.
These facts and questions frame Ricciardo’s current position.
Voices on the Transition
I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s given me everything. But as one chapter closes, another begins.
— Daniel Ricciardo, Instagram farewell (September 2024)
It was a difficult decision. Daniel is a fantastic character and a great driver, but we have to look at the long-term picture of the team.
— Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Principal (2024)
We have a good relationship. He came back and it was like nothing changed. He’s one of the good guys.
— Max Verstappen on Daniel Ricciardo (2024)
I haven’t closed the door on racing. If something fun and right comes along, I’ll be ready.
— Daniel Ricciardo, media interview (2024)
These statements capture the varied perspectives on his departure.
The Road Ahead for the Honey Badger
The data tells a clear story: Ricciardo is no longer a full-time Formula 1 driver, but he is arguably more visible than 90% of the current grid. For brands like Dabble and wineries looking for a youthful, globally recognized face, his availability is a genuine opportunity. For the Australian motorsport community, the takeaway is precise: Daniel Ricciardo has successfully rebranded his grid exit into a lifestyle enterprise. Whether he ever turns a wheel in anger again is irrelevant to his bank balance, but central to the emotional closure of his fans. For anyone following the sport, the choice is simple: follow the wine, or wait for the race.
en.wikipedia.org, mclaren.com, f1maximaal.nl, formulaonehistory.com, britannica.com, speedcafe.com, global.honda, speedsport-magazine.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Daniel Ricciardo?
Daniel Ricciardo was born on 1 July 1989, making him 35 years old (as of 2024).
What is Daniel Ricciardo’s net worth?
Estimates place his net worth at around $30 million, accumulated over his 13-year F1 career, endorsements, and business ventures.
How many podiums did Daniel Ricciardo achieve?
He achieved 32 career podiums across 13 Formula 1 seasons.
What teams did Daniel Ricciardo drive for in F1?
He raced for HRT, Toro Rosso, Red Bull Racing, Renault, McLaren, and AlphaTauri (later Visa Cash App RB).
Did Daniel Ricciardo ever win the F1 championship?
No, he finished 3rd in the drivers’ championship twice (2014 and 2016), his best results.
Who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull?
Liam Lawson replaced him at Visa Cash App RB for the final six races of the 2024 season.
What is the meaning of the shoey?
The “shoey” is a tradition Ricciardo started where he drinks champagne from his racing boot to celebrate a victory. It became a signature celebration.
What is Daniel Ricciardo’s connection to Red Bull?
He is a former Red Bull Racing driver who remains an ambassador and reserve driver for the program.
These answers address common queries about Ricciardo’s career and personal life.
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.