Daniel Ricciardo reunited with Oscar Piastri and George Russell for a padel match before the Austrian Grand Prix, marking a rare public appearance since his exit from Formula 1. This Oscar Piastri Austrian GP reunion highlights a moment of camaraderie amid a pivotal period in the F1 season.
Ricciardo, who has not raced in F1 since being released by Racing Bulls after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, has maintained a low profile since leaving the sport. Over the weekend, his presence surfaced on social media through an Instagram post shared on George Russell’s account. The photo showed Ricciardo alongside Russell, Piastri, and snowboarder Scotty James, with Russell captioning it using three Australian flags and the Union Jack.
Despite speculation, Ricciardo ruled out a return to Formula 1 and dismissed rumors linking him to Cadillac. Recently, he also engaged with fans on social media, humorously reflecting on his retirement and unveiling a new venture in partnership with sports betting company Dabble, launching a global competition centered on his own “tailgate” service.
“You know what, it’s been a while, but I’m ready to say it – retirement ain’t what it’s cracked up to be,”
Ricciardo said.
“I could smack golf balls around all day, but man, what a snooze fest.”
“I need more than just a hobby, I need a passion project … then it came to me – tailgate.”
—Daniel Ricciardo, Former F1 Driver
Meanwhile, both Russell and Piastri are enjoying strong seasons. Oscar Piastri currently leads the 2025 F1 drivers‘ standings by 22 points over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, showcasing his rise as a championship contender. George Russell recently secured a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, returning to the top step of the podium and further establishing his competitive form.
This gathering before the Austrian Grand Prix offers a glimpse of connection between drivers at different points in their careers. As Piastri pushes to maintain his championship lead and Russell builds momentum, Ricciardo’s departure remains a notable subplot in the 2025 season. Observers will watch closely how this dynamic unfolds on and off the track as the championship intensifies.
