I have a certain attachment to Daniel. There was something about him that drew me to his personality when I saw him at HRT, way back at the beginning of his F1 career. He had a charismatic way about him. Over the years, his antics in the paddock generally optimistic attitude and big smile made me a fan of his.
In Montreal back in 2014, I was in the media centre covering the race. I was sat across from Jason Swales and Will Buxton and beside Jenny Gow when Ricciardo crossed the line to clinch his maiden victory. I was quite emotional, (as appeared to be every single member of the media present), when we erupted in cheer and absolute jubilation.
Daniel Ricciardo’s journey in Formula 1 has been a thrilling ride of triumphs, missteps, and unforgettable moments. Born in Perth, Australia, Ricciardo’s entry into the sport began through karting, progressing to junior single-seater championships, where his raw talent caught the attention of Red Bull’s driver development program.
After gaining experience in Formula Renault and Formula 3, Ricciardo earned his first Formula 1 break with HRT in 2011 before transitioning to Toro Rosso (Red Bull’s junior team) in 2012. His two seasons with Toro Rosso showed flashes of promise, with Ricciardo consistently outperforming his teammate. In 2014, Ricciardo was promoted to Red Bull Racing, where he was tasked with filling the shoes of Mark Webber, who had retired the previous year. At the time, Red Bull had just dominated the sport, winning four consecutive Constructors' and Drivers' Championships with Sebastian Vettel.
However, the sport had entered a new hybrid engine era, and Mercedes quickly established themselves as the dominant force. Despite Red Bull’s relative dip in performance, Ricciardo quickly rose to the occasion.
In 2014, he stunned the paddock by claiming three victories, including a memorable first win at the Canadian Grand Prix. He finished third in the championship, ahead of Vettel, which cemented his status as one of F1’s brightest stars. Known for his fearless overtaking and late-braking maneuvers, Ricciardo developed a reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting drivers, often delivering spectacular performances in difficult conditions.
The following years, however, saw growing tension within the Red Bull camp as Max Verstappen, a teenage prodigy, joined the team in 2016. Verstappen’s meteoric rise quickly shifted Red Bull’s focus to their younger driver, even as Ricciardo continued to deliver strong results.
By 2018, frustrations within the team led to Ricciardo’s unexpected decision to leave Red Bull for Renault. This move, though understandable in the context of Red Bull prioritizing Verstappen, marked the start of a series of career decisions that would ultimately hinder Ricciardo’s momentum. At Renault, Ricciardo struggled with an underperforming car, and despite his best efforts, podiums were few and far between. While his competitive spirit remained intact, the results failed to match his ambitions.
Two years into his Renault contract, Ricciardo made another bold move, signing with McLaren for 2021—a team on the rise but still outside the sport’s top tier. Although there were high expectations for Ricciardo at McLaren, especially after a stunning victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix (his first win since leaving Red Bull), his time there was marred by inconsistency. Ricciardo struggled to adapt to McLaren’s car and was consistently outpaced by his younger teammate, Lando Norris. The victory at Monza seemed to be the exception, not the rule, as Ricciardo’s form remained erratic. McLaren ultimately ended Ricciardo’s contract a year early, in 2022, after his continued struggles.
His return to Red Bull as a reserve driver in 2023 provided some hope, but his full-time comeback with AlphaTauri in 2024 was cut short by a hand injury that sidelined him for several races.
Now, as the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix approaches, speculation is rife that this could mark Ricciardo’s final race in Formula 1. His injury, combined with younger drivers ready to fill the grid, has raised questions about whether Ricciardo will continue in the sport. Ricciardo’s career, defined by bold moves and flashes of brilliance, may now be nearing its end.
His time at Red Bull remains the high point, while his subsequent team changes—though daring—have not yielded the results he or his fans hoped for. As the paddock watches closely, Singapore may represent the closing chapter of Ricciardo’s storied Formula 1 journey.
We don't know what tomorrow holds for the biggest smile in F1. Sanny may try his hand at a different racing discipline, he may stay in F1 in a different role. Certainly his experience may help a team with the upcoming rule changes, even if it may only be on a simulator.
I know this, I’m not certain I’m ready for a Danny-less F1 paddock yet…
