Formula 1 followers showed excitement after Daniel Ricciardo was recently seen alongside Mercedes driver George Russell in a social media post. Ricciardo, who stepped away from racing at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, has kept a low profile, making this reunion particularly notable for fans and the F1 community.
Ricciardo enjoyed a decade-long career competing for teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Renault, earning widespread admiration before stepping aside once Red Bull’s rookie Liam Lawson took his place. The Australian driver remains a beloved figure and was recently seen enjoying a game of padel with George Russell, fellow Australians Oscar Piastri and Scotty James in Monaco.
Context Behind the Social Gathering in Monaco
George Russell shared a photo on his official Instagram featuring the group, complete with the flags of each person mentioned in the caption, signaling a friendly get-together. This rare glimpse of Ricciardo in the company of active F1 drivers sparked many responses from fans within Russell’s comment section, highlighting the excitement surrounding the former F1 star’s presence.
Fan reactions included praise and humor, reflecting Ricciardo’s ongoing popularity among the F1 community. Some comments read:
“Danny looking like he took a gap year out of uni to travel Southeast Asia.”
“George giving us Dany Ric content..Thanks, George !!”
These remarks emphasize the enthusiasm among supporters to see Ricciardo once again featured alongside current stars, reinforcing the strong connection he maintains with followers despite his retirement.
Daniel Ricciardo’s Decision to End His Formula 1 Career
Although Daniel Ricciardo received multiple proposals to return to Formula 1, including an offer from Cadillac for the next season, he has firmly declined these opportunities. The Australian driver has made it clear that his racing days in F1 have concluded, shifting his focus toward new personal and professional goals beyond motorsport.
Insights into Ricciardo’s New Passions and Business Ventures
Following his retirement, Daniel Ricciardo launched a business called TailGate in partnership with Dabble, describing this venture as his “true passion.” On his DabbleDan.com website, Ricciardo shared:
“So, after I hung up the helmet, I gave the retired life a crack. Bit of golf, bit of gardening, caught up on sleep, you know how it goes. It was nice… for a while. But then I got that itch. You know? I needed to do something. I missed the buzz. The energy. And that’s when it hit me…It was time I chased my TRUE passion…”
Beyond TailGate, Ricciardo has invested in several businesses and launched the wine label ‘DR3’ with winemaker Trina Smith at St Hugo, as well as an apparel brand called ‘Enchante.’ His clothing line has gained popularity, with many drivers and team principals spotted wearing the brand in the F1 paddock, highlighting his growing influence off the track.
Significance of the Reunion and Future Prospects
The recent social media appearance featuring Daniel Ricciardo and George Russell not only pleased longtime fans but also illustrated the ongoing camaraderie between current and former F1 stars. Ricciardo’s presence amidst active drivers like Russell and Piastri in Monaco offers a glimpse of his continued engagement with the sport’s community while he pursues new ambitions.
With Ricciardo committed to ventures outside of Formula 1 and firmly rejecting a racing comeback, his focus clearly lies beyond competition. This signals a new chapter where he channels the drive and passion once shown on track into entrepreneurial and lifestyle pursuits, potentially influencing motorsport culture in fresh ways.
