Daniel Ricciardo has spent over a decade in Formula 1, winning races with a smile that made him the sport’s most recognizable personality, but his career tells a more complex story — a rapid rise at Red Bull, a puzzling slump through the middle years, and a comeback attempt that redefined what “retirement” means. Here’s a clear-eyed look at his wins, his stats, and what he’s actually doing now.
Grand Prix wins: 8 ·
Podiums: 32 ·
Championships: 0 ·
Best championship finish: 3rd (2014, 2016) ·
Age (2024): 35 ·
F1 seasons: 2011–2023
Quick Snapshot
- 8 Grand Prix wins across 14 seasons (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
- 3rd place in the championship twice: 2014 and 2016 (Honda Global (official team source))
- 7 of 8 wins came during his Red Bull Racing tenure from 2014–2018 (Formula1Points (statistics database))
- Exact net worth figures vary widely across sources
- Whether he’ll secure a full-time seat for 2025 remains an open question
- His personal relationship status isn’t publicly confirmed
- F1 debut in 2011, five seasons at Red Bull (2014–2018), two at Renault, two at McLaren (Formula One History (racing archive))
- Returned to Red Bull as reserve driver in 2023 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
- Currently serves as reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, attending races and supporting development (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
- Has not ruled out a return to a full-time seat (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
Here are Ricciardo’s key personal and career statistics.
| Full Name | Daniel Joseph Ricciardo |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1989 |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| F1 Debut | 2011 British Grand Prix |
| Wins | 8 |
| Podiums | 32 |
| Points | 1,329 (as of end of 2023) |
| Championships | 0 |
| Marital Status | Single |
How many Grand Prix has Daniel Ricciardo won?
Daniel Ricciardo has won 8 Grands Prix in his Formula 1 career, a total that places him among the sport’s most successful drivers of his generation without ever winning a championship. His first win came in 2014, and his most recent in 2021 with McLaren — a gap that mirrors the uneven arc of his career.
Which Grands Prix did Daniel Ricciardo win?
- 2014 Canadian Grand Prix (Encyclopaedia Britannica (reference source))
- 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix (The Field F1 (racing analysis))
- 2014 Belgian Grand Prix (Formula One History (racing archive))
- 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix (Honda Global (official team source))
- 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
- 2018 Chinese Grand Prix (F1-Stats (statistics database))
- 2018 Monaco Grand Prix (F1-Fansite (fan resource))
- 2021 Italian Grand Prix (Monza) (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
What is Daniel Ricciardo’s total win count?
Ricciardo’s official win count stands at 8, a figure confirmed by Encyclopaedia Britannica (biographical reference). Some databases list slightly different numbers depending on how they categorize races, but 8 is the universally accepted total.
Has Daniel Ricciardo won a Formula 1 World Championship?
No. Ricciardo has never won a World Drivers’ Championship. His best results were two third-place finishes, in 2014 and 2016, both achieved while driving for Red Bull Racing, as recorded by Honda Global (manufacturer record).
Eight wins without a title puts Ricciardo in a rare category — a driver who proved he could win on merit but never had the sustained machinery advantage that championships typically require. The pattern across his wins is telling: they cluster in moments when the Red Bull or McLaren car was genuinely competitive, never in dominant seasons.
Which season was Daniel Ricciardo’s best?
Ricciardo’s peak seasons both ended with a third-place championship finish, but they produced different kinds of results. His 2014 campaign was a breakout; his 2016 season was steadier, with fewer wins but more consistency over the full year.
| Season | Championship Position | Wins | Podiums | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3rd | 3 | 8 | 238 |
| 2016 | 3rd | 1 | 5 | 256 |
| 2017 | 5th | 1 | 9 | 200 |
| 2018 | 6th | 2 | 2 | 170 |
What were Ricciardo’s best championship finishes?
Ricciardo finished third in the drivers’ championship twice — in 2014 and 2016 — according to Honda Global (official team records). He finished fifth in 2017 and sixth in 2018, as noted by The Field F1 (racing statistics).
How did his 2014 and 2016 seasons compare?
The 2014 season was flashier — three wins, including his first at Canada — but the 2016 season actually scored more points (256 vs. 238) thanks to stronger consistency. Both years were defined by his ability to outperform teammates and capitalize when the dominant Mercedes cars faltered.
What was his best win tally in a season?
Ricciardo’s single-season best was 3 wins in 2014, a year when he also finished on the podium 8 times. His other winning seasons — 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021 — each produced just one or two wins, showing how much of his career success was concentrated in that first Red Bull year.
The trade-off between his two best seasons mirrors Ricciardo’s broader career: he could deliver spectacular single-race performances, but converting those into a sustained championship challenge was another matter entirely. The 2014 season remains the benchmark — not just for wins, but for how completely he outdrove expectations against a four-time world champion teammate.
When was Ricciardo at Red Bull?
Ricciardo drove for Red Bull Racing from 2014 through 2018, five seasons that produced the core of his career statistics. He was hired as Mark Webber’s replacement and immediately made an impact by outperforming four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in their first season together.
When did Ricciardo join Red Bull Racing?
Ricciardo joined Red Bull Racing for the 2014 season, stepping into the seat vacated by Webber, according to Honda Global (official team history). He had spent two prior seasons at Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s sister team.
Why did Ricciardo leave Red Bull?
Ricciardo left Red Bull at the end of 2018 to join Renault, a move that surprised many in the paddock. He later explained he wanted a new challenge and a fresh start, though the results never matched his Red Bull years.
How many wins did he get at Red Bull?
Ricciardo won 7 of his 8 career Grands Prix while driving for Red Bull Racing, according to Formula1Points (statistics database). His only win outside Red Bull came at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix with McLaren.
What was his relationship with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen?
Ricciardo outscored Vettel in 2014, their only season as teammates, and later partnered Max Verstappen from 2016 to 2018. The pairing with Verstappen was competitive but tense, with Ricciardo ultimately choosing to leave rather than continue as the team’s second priority.
Is Danny Ricciardo still racing?
As of 2024, Ricciardo is not a full-time Formula 1 driver, but he hasn’t retired either. He serves as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, attending races and contributing to the team’s development program — a role that keeps him connected to the sport while he explores his options.
What is Ricciardo’s current role in F1?
Ricciardo serves as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, a position he’s held since returning to the Red Bull organization in 2023, as documented by Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference). His duties include attending races and supporting car development.
When did he last race in Formula 1?
Ricciardo last raced full-time in 2023, when he completed the season with AlphaTauri (now RB) after spending the early part of the year on the sidelines. His final full season as a regular driver was 2022 with McLaren, before taking a partial role in 2023.
Will Ricciardo return to a full-time seat?
Ricciardo has not ruled out a return to a full-time seat. While no official announcement has confirmed his plans for 2025, he’s publicly stated he still has the desire to race competitively.
The catch with Ricciardo’s situation is that he’s in a holding pattern — good enough to be kept close by a top team, but not young enough to be a clear long-term investment. For a driver who once beat Vettel and pushed Verstappen, the reserve role is as much a strategic move as it is a career pause.
What does Daniel Ricciardo do for a living now?
Ricciardo’s current income and role extend beyond driving. As a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, he’s paid to stay race-ready, but he’s also built a portfolio of off-track activities that keep his profile high and his finances stable.
Is Ricciardo still involved in motorsport?
Yes — his reserve driver role at Red Bull Racing is an active motorsport position. He attends races, participates in simulation work, and supports the team’s development, staying prepared in case a full-time seat becomes available.
What are his off-track activities?
Ricciardo is active as a brand ambassador, has his own merchandise line, and maintains a strong social media presence. He’s also known for his “shoey” celebration tradition — drinking from a shoe on the podium — which began in 2016 and became a signature moment at races.
Does he have any brand endorsements?
Ricciardo has partnered with several global brands over his career, leveraging his popularity and approachable personality. While exact endorsement values aren’t public, his marketability has consistently been cited as one of his strongest assets.
What this means: Ricciardo has successfully monetized his personality in a way few racing drivers manage. The “shoey” tradition and his genuine likability have turned him into a brand in his own right — a resource that keeps him relevant even when he’s not on the grid every week.
What is Daniel Ricciardo’s net worth?
Ricciardo’s estimated net worth is roughly $15–20 million (USD), according to public estimates. His earnings come from a combination of F1 salaries, endorsements, and merchandise sales, with his highest-paying contracts reportedly coming during his time at Renault and McLaren.
How much does Ricciardo earn from F1?
Ricciardo’s F1 salaries varied significantly by team. His Red Bull contract paid him a competitive but not top-tier salary; his Renault deal reportedly doubled his earnings; and his McLaren contract included performance bonuses based on team results.
What are his main income sources?
Ricciardo’s income streams include his driver salary, brand endorsement deals, merchandise sales from his own line, and appearance fees. His off-track earnings have grown as his racing career has shifted to a part-time role.
What is his estimated net worth?
Most public estimates place Ricciardo’s net worth between $15 million and $20 million. The range reflects the difficulty of confirming exact figures — driver contracts aren’t fully public, and endorsement terms are rarely disclosed.
For a driver who never won a championship, Ricciardo’s financial position is strong because he maximized the value of his personality. His income during the team-change years — especially the Renault deal — was reportedly well above what his results alone would have commanded, a premium paid for his marketability.
Career Timeline
- : F1 debut with HRT (Formula One History (racing archive))
- : Toro Rosso driver (Honda Global (official record))
- : Red Bull Racing — 7 wins, two 3rd-place championship finishes (Formula1Points (statistics database))
- : Renault driver — best finish 5th in 2020 (The Field F1 (racing analysis))
- : McLaren driver — win at Monza 2021 (The Field F1 (racing analysis))
- : Reserve for Red Bull, then AlphaTauri from mid-season (Formula One History (racing archive))
- : Red Bull reserve driver
Looking at the timeline, a pattern emerges: Ricciardo’s career has been defined by two major shifts — the rise at Red Bull and the fall away from it. The Red Bull years produced the wins; everything after has been an attempt to recapture that form. The 2023 return to the Red Bull family, even in a reserve role, suggests the relationship was never fully severed, just paused.
Confirmed Facts and What’s Still Unclear
Confirmed Facts
- 8 Grand Prix wins (Encyclopaedia Britannica (reference))
- Never won a World Championship
- Red Bull tenure 2014–2018 (Honda Global (official record))
- Current role as reserve driver for Red Bull (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
What’s Still Unclear
- Exact net worth — estimates range widely
- Future full-time drive — no official confirmation for 2025
- Personal relationship status — not publicly confirmed
The confirmed facts about Ricciardo’s career are solid — the wins, the teams, the championship finishes are all documented. What remains fuzzy are the numbers that depend on private contracts: net worth, endorsement values, and future team commitments. For those, the estimates are useful but carry uncertainty.
Quotes from Daniel Ricciardo
“I felt it was time for a new challenge.”
Daniel Ricciardo on leaving Red Bull, Formula1.com (official F1 source)
“It’s a bit of fun, and it’s become part of the celebration.”
Daniel Ricciardo on his shoey tradition, Motorsport.com (motorsport news outlet)
The quotes reveal a driver who is aware of his own narrative — the genuine enjoyment of racing mixed with the pragmatism of a long career. The “shoey” line is classic Ricciardo: self-deprecating, fun, and designed to bring fans into the moment. The “new challenge” quote, though, shows the more serious side of a man who has always calculated his next move carefully.
Summary
Daniel Ricciardo’s career is a study in contrasts: brilliant early success that set expectations he could never fully meet, a decline that followed his own decisions, and a current role that keeps him relevant without guaranteeing a future. For fans of a driver who won races with charisma and talent, the choice is clear: enjoy the moments of vintage Ricciardo when they appear, or accept that his best years are behind him — because the next chapter depends on opportunities that are no longer fully in his control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Daniel Ricciardo’s shoey tradition?
The shoe celebration involves Ricciardo drinking champagne from a racing boot after a podium or win. It began at the 2016 German Grand Prix and quickly became a fan favorite, symbolizing his relaxed and fun-loving personality.
Why did Ricciardo leave McLaren?
Ricciardo and McLaren ended their relationship after the 2022 season, with the team deciding to replace him. Performance issues and a car that didn’t suit his driving style contributed to the decision.
What cars does Daniel Ricciardo own?
Ricciardo has a collection of high-performance vehicles, including several from his time with Red Bull and Renault. Exact details aren’t publicly documented, but he’s known to appreciate both sports cars and classic models.
Does Daniel Ricciardo have any siblings?
Yes, Ricciardo has a younger sister named Michelle. She’s largely stayed out of the public eye, but has occasionally appeared at races supporting her brother.
What is Daniel Ricciardo’s favorite track?
Ricciardo has repeatedly cited the Circuit de Monaco as his favorite track, a preference that aligns with his success there — he won the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix with Red Bull.
How many points has Daniel Ricciardo scored in F1?
Ricciardo has scored 1,329 career points as of the end of the 2023 season, accumulated across his time with HRT, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault, McLaren, and AlphaTauri.
What helmet design does Daniel Ricciardo use?
Ricciardo’s helmet designs have evolved over his career, but he’s known for bold colors and personal touches, including his signature “shoey” symbol added to the rear of the helmet.
Related Reading
Daniel Ricciardo: F1 Career, Wins, and Reserve Role (eveningledger.uk)
Daniel Ricciardo F1 Career: Wins, Teams, and 2025 Future (eveningledger.uk)
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.