At one point or another, a racing driver ends up leaving the series where they made their name, integrating themselves into apart of motorsport history. And, for 8x Formula One race winner; Daniel Ricciardo, his time is nigh, and not for the first time either. Sadly enough, this could very well be the last. Regardless, throughout his 13 years in the series, specifically in recent years after his fun-loving portrayal in Netflix’s Drive to Survive; Ricciardo has become one of, if not the most popular driver on the F1 grid, leaving hoards of fans heartbroken at his mid-season exit. And, it’s not just the fans feeling blue with his departure. Several of Ricciardo’s competitors and racing friends have taken to social media, sending well wishes his way, while branding him a legend within our favourite sport. There is no denying, the outpouring of love for Danny Ric speaks volumes, which could easily explain as to why many are also disgruntled at the fact that the Red Bull family failed to give him the F1 "send off" that he deserves.
In the grand scheme of things, Ricciardo's career hasn't necessarily proved to be anything of a speciality. But, as with many an F1 driver, has included notable highs, lows and what ifs that have shaped it into one career fans may remember in the years to come. Like it or not, regardless of how his career played out, Ricciardo has, for sure, left his mark on the sport and fans all over the world, with some even still in denial that it seems as if this is it. But is it truly the end for our happy Australian?
The most realistic answer in this circumstance is yes. With only one seat currently vacant for 2025, at Sauber - which could be heading the way of Valtteri Bottas, Ricciardo’s options are almost non-existent. Almost, so to speak. Because, rumours are Formula One’s favourite past time and, as this season continues to evolve, Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull continues to come across as “under threat” from his consistently poor performances in 2024. If you’re new here, you may be wondering as to why Perez’s seat could be of such an importance to Ricciardo. Simply put, it’s his life line that could prolong his F1 career and give Red Bull one of the strongest line ups on the grid. This is believed to have been Red Bull’s plan all along, after resigning Ricciardo to the team as third driver at the start of 2023.
Alas, with Perez’s sponsorship and PR, he seems to be a shoe in to stay at Red Bull for 2025 alongside Max Verstappen, leaving Ricciardo simply with no where to go. His only F1 option would most likely be in the form of a reserve driver or, as new rumours suggest, an ambassadorial role, but now in his mid-30’s, would he want that?
There is no denying that Ricciardo’s career took a big hit after leaving the Red Bull team the first time at the end of 2018. He was lucky that they were there to rescue him in 2023. But, F1 and motorsport is cut throat, we know that. Should Ricciardo’s demise be really that all to surprising? Probably not. Regardless, one thing we can all agree on, he deserved better than the brutality he endured right at the end
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