Daniel Ricciardo Opens Up About the Daring Mindset Behind F1 Risks: “It’s Scary!”
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Daniel Ricciardo, the beloved F1 icon, has laid bare the terrifying mental toll of racing at the highest level. The 36-year-old Australian, who has been absent from the track since his departure from the Racing Bulls team in September 2024, spoke candidly about the perilous risks drivers must embrace to secure that coveted extra position on the grid.
With whispers of a potential return to F1 through the Cadillac team, slated to join the grid in 2026, fans have been left on the edge of their seats. However, Ricciardo’s cryptic admission of “Nah, I’m done” when questioned about his future in racing last year hinted at a deeper struggle within the champion driver.
In a rare appearance at the Ray White’s Connect conference in Australia—shortly before a dirt bike accident that landed him in the hospital—Ricciardo opened up about the intense pressure and mental fortitude required during F1 races. “I would use too much energy trying to be tough all the time because it’s not natural for me,” he confessed, reflecting on the fierce competitiveness that defines the sport.
The fan favorite expressed jealousy towards his rivals who seemed to possess an innate “killer instinct.” “You might be in third place and think, ‘Well, I’ve got a podium, do I need to risk crashing?’ But it’s the most fun, and I always thought it was better to crash than not try,” Ricciardo admitted, showcasing the relentless spirit that has defined his career. “It got to a point where it was just instinct. You accept that if it doesn’t work, you can be proud that you gave it a crack.”
Ricciardo’s comments also hint at a deeper analysis of his career trajectory, particularly when juxtaposed with the meteoric rise of his former teammate, Max Verstappen. While Ricciardo celebrated seven of his eight Grand Prix victories with Red Bull, he made the controversial decision to switch to Renault in 2019, a move that would ultimately prove disastrous as Verstappen dominated the sport.
Since then, Ricciardo has struggled to reclaim his former glory, bouncing between teams and battling in the midfield, while Verstappen has racked up championship titles with Red Bull’s dominant performance. Although he managed one more win with McLaren in 2021, Ricciardo’s F1 career took a nosedive, culminating in an early termination of his contract in 2022.
With an impressive record of eight victories, 32 podiums, and two third-place finishes in the drivers’ championship, Ricciardo’s instinct and tenacity have not been enough to secure his place in the fast-paced world of Formula 1. As the racing world watches with bated breath, the question remains: Will Daniel Ricciardo make a triumphant return to the track, or has he truly hung up his helmet for good?
The saga of Daniel Ricciardo continues to be a gripping story of ambition, risk, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the unforgiving world of motorsport.
