Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 journey has come to a sudden and painful halt. The Australian driver, once celebrated as one of the grid’s brightest talents, has been axed by Red Bull in favor of for the last six races of the 2024 season. But what if things could have been different? The reality is, Ricciardo’s career trajectory could have looked far brighter if he hadn’t made one crucial mistake six years ago.
Ricciardo has been a familiar face in the Red Bull camp for over a decade. After debuting with HRT in 2011 and progressing to Toro Rosso the following year, he got his big break in 2014, joining the main Red Bull team alongside four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. It didn’t take long for the Honey Badger to make his mark, outperforming Vettel in his debut season.
When Vettel left for Ferrari, Ricciardo became Red Bull’s leading driver. However, everything changed when Max Verstappen was promoted to the team in 2016. Ricciardo, unwilling to play second fiddle to the rising star, made the bold decision to leave Red Bull at the end of 2018. His chosen destination? Renault, where he hoped to lead a team on his terms.
But the move proved to be Ricciardo’s undoing. Renault, despite its grand promises, never delivered the performance Ricciardo needed to shine. Even before his first race with Renault in 2020, he had already announced his switch to McLaren for 2021—a decision that brought more struggles. The Honey Badger, once a fearless overtaker and a consistent podium finisher, found himself a shadow of his former self.
Had Ricciardo stayed with Red Bull, he would have continued to enjoy the same top-tier resources as Verstappen. With the backing of team principal Christian Horner—who always held Ricciardo in high regard—he could have maintained his status as one of the top drivers on the grid. Even if Verstappen ultimately took the upper hand, Ricciardo’s proven talent would likely have seen him secure a coveted seat at a powerhouse team like Mercedes or Ferrari.
Instead, Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull marked the beginning of a downward spiral. His time at Renault failed to reignite his career, and his stint with McLaren was riddled with inconsistency. Even his stunning victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix couldn’t reverse his fortunes, and his subsequent return to Red Bull in a reserve capacity was short-lived.
Ricciardo’s career has been filled with highlights that most drivers could only dream of—seven Grand Prix wins and countless thrilling drives. But as he exits the sport, the Australian must grapple with the question: Did leaving Red Bull in 2018 ultimately seal his fate? As Ricciardo walks away from F1, he’s left to wonder how different his story might have been if he’d chosen to stay and fight alongside Verstappen, instead of seeking greener pastures that never materialized.
