Life Beyond the Pit Lane: Exploring Daniel Ricciardo’s Five Potential Career Paths After F1 Departure

Potential Future Paths for Daniel Ricciardo Post-Formula 1 Departure

Exploring Daniel Ricciardo's Options Following F1 Exit

Red Bull's move to drop Daniel Ricciardo following the Singapore Grand Prix marks the conclusion of a Formula 1 career that lasted for 14 seasons.

The probable last Formula 1 gesture of the 35-year-old Australian was to secure the fastest lap bonus point, which was expected to go to McLaren's Lando Norris, thereby supporting Max Verstappen and Red Bull in their championship pursuits.

Ricciardo, who has triumphed in eight grand prix races, will see his position in RB's roster taken over by Red Bull's backup driver, Liam Lawson, starting from the United States Grand Prix.

Given that Ricciardo's future in Formula 1 seems to be coming to a definitive end, unless an extraordinary event occurs, we've explored potential paths he might take moving forward…

NASCAR Influence

From a young age, Ricciardo was a huge fan of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt. He chose the number 3 for his race car in 2014 as a homage to Earnhardt, who famously competed with that number for much of his racing career.

In 2021, during the United States Grand Prix, he fulfilled a childhood dream by taking Earnhardt's 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR for a demonstration lap at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

Ricciardo, currently living in Los Angeles, has shown interest in participating in NASCAR races. Does this mean he's considering a permanent move to American racing circuits?

"In a recent conversation with Tourism Western Australia, he expressed his childhood enthusiasm for NASCAR," he shared. "Driving a NASCAR, particularly around Daytona, would be a dream for me. However, when it comes to actually competing, I'm torn."

"I'm aware it's different from what I'm accustomed to, and I might end up being completely outclassed. Therefore, I'm uncertain if it's necessary for me, yet I'm eager to try it out."

Supercars:

Ricciardo has had the opportunity to try out Supercar vehicles during promotional events and has expressed his desire to compete at the iconic Bathurst track.

"Clearly, the V8 engines dominate the race at Bathurst, but he mentioned in the same interview that there's also the 12-hour race, which could be an event he participates in.”

"Should a V8 squad offer me the chance to take a few laps around Bathurst, just for the thrill of it and without any stress, I'd absolutely seize that opportunity."

After initially experiencing driving a Supercar at Calder Park before the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, Ricciardo could be inclined to take another shot at it.

IndyCar

During 2022, amidst speculation about his career following his departure from McLaren, Ricciardo expressed disinterest in participating in IndyCar races, citing his fear of oval tracks as the reason.

While addressing the press in Singapore, Ricciardo confirmed that this is still the situation.

"I've considered it before, especially a few years back when I realized I wouldn't be starting the 2023 season, but I'm not sure," he further stated.

This may appear to be an unexpected shift in career, but it's possible that Ricciardo's perspective could change now that his aspirations in F1 have been definitively dashed?

MotoGP

Indeed, your eyes do not deceive you.

Ricciardo, famously passionate about motocross, has openly expressed his desire to switch from racing on four wheels to trying his hand at two.

Nonetheless, it was accompanied by this warning: "I would take a lot of time and likely be terrible."

It might just be for amusement, instead of a serious effort to satisfy his thirst for competition, but we wouldn't underestimate this fearless Australian's willingness to take a risk.

Exit the racing scene completely

Following the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo mentioned he would take some time to determine his future steps, hinting he might even pursue activities like mountain climbing.

Does this suggest that Ricciardo is contemplating retirement from racing to pursue a more relaxed lifestyle?

This isn't his initial discussion about considering retirement, as he shared with Tourism Western Australia, "Margaret River could truly be my retirement spot. I'm enamored with the lifestyle there… It's incredibly refreshing, where everything takes a slower pace."

"I believe that there's a deep bond between the people and the environment in that area – it's a place where everyone appears to feel liberated and joyful. Living there embodies my ideal concept of retirement."

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