Daniel Ricciardo openly addressed the portrayal of his relationship with Carlos Sainz in Netflix’s Drive to Survive, pushing back against the series’ attempt to dramatize their interaction. In 2021, Ricciardo criticized how the docuseries seemed to create a rivalry between him and Sainz that did not genuinely exist, drawing attention to the misleading narrative.
Both drivers were once part of Red Bull’s development program, with Sainz leaving early to pursue other Formula 1 opportunities, and Ricciardo departing some time later. Their career paths crossed again when Ricciardo joined Renault in 2019, taking over Sainz’s seat as the Spaniard moved to McLaren.
In an interview with Square Mile, Ricciardo expressed his frustration at the forced rivalry depicted in the show by saying:
“I mean the second season [of Drive to Survive], there were some episodes or parts where I feel they forced it a little bit. They tried to create a bit of a rivalry between me and [Carlos] Sainz and it wasn’t really there. Like, he’s no more a rival than anyone else. There wasn’t any personal grudge with him, but I think [Netflix] wanted something, so a lot of questions led with asking about Carlos.”
He added a pointed remark regarding Sainz’s fashion sense:
“Maybe no one noticed, but for me, I was like, he’s fine. I’ve probably got other guys that I dislike, you know, as opposed to Carlos… I mean, he dresses like a 60-year old, but otherwise he’s alright.”
Daniel Ricciardo’s Journey Beyond Formula 1
After retiring from Formula 1 last year during the Singapore Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo stepped away from the racing spotlight, with his social media activity diminishing noticeably. However, he later resurfaced, making public appearances and sharing glimpses of his post-racing life. At 36, Ricciardo has embraced a quieter lifestyle that diverges from the intense pace of professional racing.
Describing his current state of mind in an interview with F1’s official website, Ricciardo revealed:
“This year has been a bit of self-exploration. I lived this crazy high-speed life for so long and this year I’ve sat into a little bit of stillness.”
Despite the anticipated calm, Ricciardo recently faced a setback when he experienced a motorbike accident in Queensland, Australia, which has since kept him largely off social media.
The Significance of Ricciardo’s Comments and Current Status
Daniel Ricciardo’s remarks shine a light on the pressures of media narratives within Formula 1, especially concerning manufactured rivalries for entertainment purposes. His candid comments about Carlos Sainz’s style hint at the subtle tensions that can exist beneath professional respect. Meanwhile, Ricciardo’s move away from racing and his reflective phase mark a significant transition for the Australian driver, indicating his search for new identity beyond the track.
As Ricciardo recovers from his accident and continues to explore life outside Formula 1, fans and the racing community await his next steps, whether in motorsport or other ventures.
