As the 2026 IndyCar season approaches, Scott McLaughlin offered insight into the Scott McLaughlin Daniel Ricciardo relationship, reflecting on memorable run-ins and friendship with the celebrated Australian driver. The candid discussion surfaced during an offseason appearance on IndyCar’s official podcast, shedding light on how these two prominent racing talents have connected both on and off the track.
Scott McLaughlin and Daniel Ricciardo’s Early Encounters
Scott McLaughlin, who began his racing career in New Zealand and competed in the V8 Supercars championship before transitioning to IndyCar at the start of this decade, shares a unique bond with Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo, raised in Australia, rose through the junior categories to find success in Formula 1. Despite their different paths, their careers have overlapped at major motorsport events.
The pair crossed paths several times, especially during races on Australian soil. McLaughlin recounted meeting Ricciardo at motorsport events linked to the Australian Grand Prix, where he was often racing in Supercars alongside F1. Their interactions have been friendly but fleeting, providing a foundation for mutual respect and shared admiration in the competitive world of auto racing.
Recollections from IndyCar’s Offseason Podcast
During a recent appearance on The Offseason with James Coker podcast, McLaughlin shared more about his relationship with Ricciardo. While host James Coker recalled encountering Ricciardo at the Circuit of the Americas during the US Grand Prix, McLaughlin clarified the specifics about their meetings.
“I think it might have been the Waste Management Open but maybe he confused the two but yeah. I don’t know but we’ve crossed paths a couple of times and probably more so in Australia because when the Australian Grand Prix happened I was racing supercars on the same event so I sort of like crossed paths. Super nice dude. I would love to have a beer with him. I haven’t had a beer with him yet.”
— Scott McLaughlin, IndyCar driver
McLaughlin elaborated on another encounter, explaining the challenges of connecting amid the hectic schedules and social demands of major racing events. Referring to Ricciardo’s manager, Blake, he emphasized the camaraderie behind the scenes.
“He felt terrible because he wanted to talk to you, but he couldn’t talk. I think he must have had a bender the night before or something. He couldn’t talk, but um I know his manager or management guy Blake really well and from Cars and he’s a great dude. So, it was cool to see those guys.”
— Scott McLaughlin, IndyCar driver
Motorsport Personalities Draw Parallels
Racing commentator Will Buxton has recently discussed similarities between McLaughlin and Ricciardo as he shifted from F1TV to FOX, where he’ll cover the American open-wheel racing scene as a play-by-play announcer. Buxton’s observations bring further attention to the unique blend of talent and charisma both drivers possess.
“Scott McLaughlin… is it too easy to say Daniel Ricciardo? But like Daniel Ricciardo if he never left Red Bull… if Daniel Ricciardo was one of the greatest touring car drivers.”
— Will Buxton, Racing Commentator
Meanwhile, Ricciardo’s recent journey in the motorsport world has been turbulent. After his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2018, stints with Renault and McLaren proved challenging, and he was ultimately let go by Racing Bulls following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. McLaughlin’s career, contrastingly, has remained on the ascendant, with Team Penske offering him new challenges and opportunities as the IndyCar season approaches.
The Broader Impact of Their Friendship in Racing
The Scott McLaughlin Daniel Ricciardo relationship illustrates how top-tier drivers from different backgrounds can find common ground, drawing from their shared experience at landmark races and industry gatherings. Their rapport sparks broader conversation among fans and the racing community, serving as a reminder of the personal relationships that add depth to professional sports.
For McLaughlin, the opportunity to connect further with Ricciardo remains a goal, emphasizing the human side of high-stakes motorsport careers. As both drivers prepare for new chapters—McLaughlin returning to the factory for seat fittings and Ricciardo seeking his next move—their evolving friendship will continue inspiring conversations among followers of IndyCar and Formula 1 worldwide.
