Ricciardo leaves Formula 1 after Singapore Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 career ended after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, marking the conclusion of thirteen seasons and eight Grand Prix victories. Racing Bulls announced his departure shortly after the race, replacing him with Liam Lawson for the remaining championship rounds.

Ricciardo steps back from public life

Following his departure, Ricciardo gradually withdrew from public life to return to Australia. He used this time to address personal matters that had been put on hold due to the intense demands of Formula 1, though he admits he experienced difficult emotional challenges.

Ricciardo's emotional response to his departure

In an interview with the podcast Beyond the Grid, Ricciardo described the initial weeks after his departure as a struggle to maintain composure. He admitted to feeling humiliated internally while trying to appear unaffected, using a defense mechanism to cope with the emotional impact of his exit.

Ricciardo's career trajectory with Red Bull

Ricciardo's most successful years in Formula 1 were with Red Bull between 2014 and 2018, where he achieved some of his greatest triumphs. However, after leaving the team, his performance declined, and he faced persistent challenges with Renault and McLaren, despite a notable victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.

Ricciardo considered leaving Formula 1 earlier

Ricciardo revealed that the idea of retiring from Formula 1 had crossed his mind before his official departure. In 2022, after a difficult season with McLaren, he considered ending his career following the Monaco Grand Prix, but hesitated due to encouragement from those around him.

Ricciardo reflects on Red Bull's role in his departure

Despite his disappointment with the circumstances of his exit, Ricciardo acknowledges that Red Bull's decision may have helped him move on from a painful situation. He admits that the team's decision allowed him to close a chapter he might not have managed on his own, even though he still regrets how it unfolded.

Ricciardo's current perspective on his career

At 37 years old, Ricciardo now views his Formula 1 career with a more balanced perspective. While his eight victories, seven with Red Bull, highlight a successful career, his later years were marked by inconsistency. His return to Racing Bulls as a reserve and later full-time driver did not lead to the resurgence he had hoped for.

Ricciardo accepts the end of his Formula 1 journey

Ricciardo no longer hides the disappointment of his departure, acknowledging that it forced him to accept that it was time to move on. He maintains an ambivalent relationship with Red Bull—the team that gave him his greatest successes but also ended his Formula 1 adventure in a way he still does not fully approve of.