Daniel Ricciardo’s high-flying Formula 1 career has finally come to a definitive end, and with it, one of the most enigmatic personalities in the paddock steps away from the pinnacle of motorsport. But in a candid and somewhat humbling confession, the 34-year-old Aussie has admitted that his own ego and misplaced confidence may have been at the root of his downfall.
Ricciardo, once considered a future world champion, found himself ousted from the Red Bull family—arguably a shocking twist for a driver who was at one point hailed as the next big thing. Now, reflecting on the rollercoaster journey that began with promise and ended in disappointment, Ricciardo revealed how his once soaring self-belief turned into a destructive arrogance during his Red Bull days.
“I’m the Man”: Success Fueled a Swollen Ego
By 2015, Ricciardo had more than just a foothold in Formula 1—he was making waves. With multiple race wins and a stunning defeat of his then-teammate, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, the Australian had cemented himself as a top-tier driver. That was when Ricciardo says the cracks began to show. Speaking about his mindset at the time, he admitted:
“Yeah, 2015. It was actually in Austin… it was probably when I just started to make a bit of a name for myself in the sport and won a few races… you’re like, ‘Alright, I’m really kicking it right now. I’m the man.’”
His words reflect not just self-confidence but a creeping overconfidence. Ricciardo admitted that his mentality shifted to a dangerous level of self-assuredness. Winning races and taking down one of the sport’s greatest only added fuel to the fire. But instead of being the stepping stone to championship glory, that year marked the beginning of a slow descent.
From Confidence to Cockiness: The Warning Signs
Ricciardo’s confession goes deeper. The former Red Bull driver revealed that he wasn’t just overconfident—he was becoming cocky.
“I remember I was like, probably just getting a little weird, in terms of just getting like ahead of myself and probably a bit cocky, maybe.”
But what stung the most was not his own realization. It was when a close friend finally called him out, delivering a brutal dose of reality that cut through Ricciardo’s inflated ego like a knife. According to the Aussie, his friend didn’t mince words, warning him that his new attitude was changing him—and not for the better.
“Someone close to me at the time, I remember they’re like… ‘make sure this doesn’t take over and you start affecting people around you. But it’s affected me a bit’… It was like, yeah, it was quite heavy.”
The impact of this criticism was profound. Suddenly, Ricciardo realized that his ‘I’m the man’ mindset wasn’t just affecting his performances; it was straining his relationships with those closest to him. He admits it was a wake-up call—a stark reminder that success in F1 is about more than just speed on the track.
A Sobering Lesson and a Fall from Grace
After being humbled by his friend’s advice, Ricciardo made a conscious effort to change. The smile returned, and the Aussie’s playful, good-natured persona began to shine through once more. He became the fan-favorite, the ‘Honey Badger’ known for his trademark grin and fearless overtakes. But by then, the damage to his career trajectory had already been done.
His time at Red Bull, which started with such explosive potential, ended with him being sidelined as the team backed Max Verstappen—an even younger talent with seemingly boundless skill. And so, Ricciardo’s career entered a spiral: a stint at Renault that promised much but delivered little, followed by an even more ill-fated move to McLaren, where he struggled to find his rhythm.
Ricciardo’s F1 exit has left fans mourning the loss of one of the grid’s most charismatic drivers. But his story is more than just a tale of unfulfilled potential; it’s a cautionary tale of how quickly things can unravel when confidence turns into cockiness. For Ricciardo, it wasn’t just about losing pace—it was about losing himself.
The Legacy of the Honey Badger
As Ricciardo steps away from Formula 1, his legacy is complicated. Yes, he was a race winner. Yes, he took on—and often beat—the best in the sport. But the narrative of his career will always be tinged with ‘what ifs’ and ‘maybes.’ What if he hadn’t let the success get to his head? What if he had stayed at Red Bull and fought his corner instead of jumping ship?
While Ricciardo’s time in F1 may have ended on a low note, his journey remains a lesson in humility, resilience, and the constant need for self-awareness. For the man who once believed he was on top of the world, the climb back to his true self may have been his toughest race of all.
And for the fans? They’ll always remember the good times—the shoeys, the breathtaking overtakes, and that unmistakable grin. But there will also be a lingering sadness for what might have been.
