Daniel Ricciardo, the beloved F1 star whose infectious grin and fearless overtakes have captured the hearts of fans worldwide, might be gearing up for an unexpected return to the paddock—but not in the way many imagined. With his racing future hanging in the balance after being axed by Visa Cash App RB (VCARB), Ricciardo has been tipped for a shock pivot to punditry.
Ricciardo’s Rocky Road Out of F1
Once a podium regular and eight-time race winner, Ricciardo’s F1 career took a downturn upon his return to the sport in 2023. Unable to recapture the magic that had made him a Red Bull and Renault superstar, Ricciardo lost his seat at VCARB to rising talent Liam Lawson, leaving his future in limbo.
Since his exit, the Aussie has embraced life away from racing, remaining tight-lipped about his next move. However, his immense popularity—both with fans and within the paddock—has left the door wide open for other opportunities.
Johnny Herbert’s Punditry Endorsement
Former F1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert believes Ricciardo’s personality and experience make him a perfect fit for F1 punditry. Speaking to Flashscore USA, Herbert championed the idea of Ricciardo joining the Sky Sports F1 team.
“Daniel Ricciardo would be my pick to join the F1 Sky team. He has the experience, the smiley face, is telegenic, and is very popular,” Herbert said.
“He has a nice demeanor and a very good way of sharing the experience that he has had. He’s seen the highs and lows of the sport, and those are exactly the stories fans want to hear.”
Ricciardo’s ability to articulate his racing adventures and connect with audiences would make him a valuable addition to any broadcast team, Herbert argued.
What’s Next for the Honey Badger?
While Ricciardo has yet to publicly address the possibility of transitioning to punditry, it’s clear he remains in high demand both inside and outside of F1. Offers for a return to the cockpit could still come his way, particularly with F1’s grid constantly shifting. But with drivers increasingly branching out into media roles—think Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg—punditry might offer Ricciardo a chance to stay close to the sport he loves while building a new chapter of his career.
For now, fans will have to wait and see whether Ricciardo chooses to fight his way back onto the grid—or if he’ll trade the steering wheel for a microphone.
One Thing Is Clear: Ricciardo’s Story Is Far From Over
Whether it’s behind the wheel or in front of the camera, Daniel Ricciardo’s presence in Formula 1 seems inevitable. His charisma, combined with his deep understanding of the sport, ensures that the Honey Badger will continue to light up the paddock—one way or another.
