From the Fast Lane to New Horizons: Exploring Daniel Ricciardo’s Potential Career Paths Post-F1

Five potential career paths for Daniel Ricciardo after his F1 departure

What are Daniel Ricciardo's options moving forward?

Red Bull's choice to cut ties with Daniel Ricciardo following the Singapore Grand Prix marks the conclusion of his 14-season-long career in Formula 1.

At 35 years old, the Australian driver probably made his last significant move in Formula 1 by securing the fastest lap bonus point, taking it from McLaren's Lando Norris, and supporting Max Verstappen and Red Bull in their championship pursuits.

Eight-time grand prix winner Ricciardo will be succeeded by Red Bull's reserve driver, Liam Lawson, starting from the United States Grand Prix.

Given that Ricciardo's Formula 1 career appears to be definitively over unless something extraordinarily unexpected occurs, we have speculated on his potential future endeavors…

NASCAR

Ricciardo, who admired NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt during his youth, chose the number 3 for his race car in 2014 as a homage to Earnhardt, who famously used that number for most of his racing career.

He achieved his childhood aspiration at the 2021 United States Grand Prix by driving Earnhardt’s 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR in a demonstration run at COTA.

Ricciardo, a Los Angeles resident, has shown interest in participating in NASCAR. Is a permanent move to American racing a possibility?

In a recent interview with Tourism Western Australia, he shared that he has always been a NASCAR enthusiast. "I've always wanted to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR, and driving around Daytona would be incredible," he expressed. "As for competing, I have mixed feelings about it."

"I'm aware it's not what I'm used to, and I'll likely get beaten badly. Even though I'm unsure if I need to do it, I'd really like to try it out."

High-Performance Cars:

Ricciardo has had the opportunity to test drive high-performance cars for promotional events and has expressed his desire to compete at the iconic Bathurst track.

In the same interview, he mentioned that while it's typically the V8s that race at Bathurst, he might consider participating in the 12-hour event or something similar.

"If a V8 team offered me the chance to drive a few laps around Bathurst without any pressure, I would absolutely accept."

After initially testing out a Supercar at Calder Park before the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, Ricciardo may feel inclined to give it another try.

IndyCar

In 2022, when Ricciardo faced an uncertain future after McLaren let him go, he expressed no desire to compete in IndyCar, stating that "ovals scare me."

During a media interaction in Singapore, Ricciardo conceded that the situation is unchanged.

"I had considered it before, as I did a few years back when I realized I wouldn't be starting the 2023 season, but I'm still unsure," he mentioned.

This career move appears unexpected, but with his Formula 1 aspirations now seemingly unattainable, Ricciardo's perspective might evolve.

Motorcycle Grand Prix

Indeed, you saw it right.

Ricciardo, a passionate fan of dirt biking, has expressed a keen interest in trying out riding on two wheels instead of four.

Nevertheless, it included this warning: "I would be extremely slow and likely terrible."

It might simply be for enjoyment rather than a serious effort to satisfy his competitive urges, yet we wouldn't be surprised if this Australian thrill-seeker gave it a try.

Step away from racing completely

Following the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo mentioned that he would take some time to “determine his next steps,” suggesting he might “possibly take up activities like mountain climbing or something similar.”

Did that suggest Ricciardo might be considering retiring from racing to pursue a more relaxed lifestyle?

He has previously spoken candidly about the possibility of retiring, once mentioning to Tourism Western Australia that he envisions himself settling down in Margaret River eventually. He expressed his fondness for the lifestyle there, describing it as refreshing and noting that life seems to move at a more leisurely pace.

"In my opinion, people there share a deep connection to the area and the land. It brings a sense of freedom and happiness to everyone. The lifestyle there perfectly matches my idea of what retirement should be like."

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