Reasons Behind Daniel Ricciardo's Absence from the F1 Paddock

Not all former F1 drivers remain idle after their racing careers. Some continue competing in other series; during 2025 and 2026, Robert Kubica, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries triumphed at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Others transition into television commentary, such as Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Heikki Kovalainen, Nico Rosberg, and Jacques Villeneuve, among numerous others.

Ricciardo has yet to pursue any of these paths, and when asked on the Beyond The Grid podcast about a potential return to the F1 paddock, the eight-time grand prix winner stated: “I’m not sure.”

“If you had asked me a year ago, I would have replied, ‘No, I never want to be around it again’. At that point, I felt a lot of pain, so being around it hurt too much. I was very negative about it.

“But I think in the last couple of years, I’ve tried to come to terms with my ego. There were moments of what I can only describe as an ego death, when everything seems to fall apart. I found myself wondering why I was so resistant. Okay, that’s my ego speaking, saying ‘Oh, I’m never going back to the paddock, I don’t want to see any of those people,’ which is probably my ego trying to shield me.

“Currently, I’m in a place where I appreciate many of the gifts F1 has given me, including the relationships; I still keep in touch with many drivers, engineers, and mechanics – the bonds are still there. Even during Singapore [2024], I lingered at the track late that night after the race because I was aware that I didn’t know when I would return. I made an effort to say as many goodbyes as I could, but it was quite somber, not the farewell I would have preferred with some people.

Daniel Ricciardo, Racing Bulls

“So I do have the desire, but I'm conflicted about whether returning too soon would lead to a situation where it’s just ‘Hey, Daniel, is he coming back, what is he doing?’. I’m not keen on that kind of media scrutiny; I simply want to visit friends, but I recognize that’s not the reality of the F1 paddock and how it operates – and I get that. It’s part of why I haven’t returned, as I don’t seek attention, and I think entering the paddock without a clear purpose would lead to questions like, ‘Why is Daniel here, is he just after a photo op?’. These are the thoughts I share with myself,” he chuckled.

“I’m not eager to travel. The mere thought of the F1 calendar stresses me out, which is why I feel there’s nothing there that I would…”

“I’ve talked to a few friends from other sports who are now retired athletes but have returned to the sport as managers, team owners, or in similar roles. Interestingly, one of them remarked, ‘It’s no easier than when I was racing,’ because you remain deeply invested – especially in the athletes – making their issues your own, and it’s a constant burden.

“I do enjoy engaging with younger drivers and sharing my knowledge and experiences. However, I just don’t feel ready to endure all those emotions again – it’s a lot. The idea of stepping away from that and living a bit more freely feels appealing and better.

“I don’t think that would allow me to be the best version of myself, particularly around people I care about.”

The Perth native has been following races on television, with his father appreciating his insights. So could he see himself as a pundit in the future? “The travel!” Ricciardo exclaimed.

Daniel Ricciardo, Grace Ricciardo, Joe Ricciardo

“It’s challenging, because many people tell me, ‘Oh, you’d be fantastic on TV’. There’s a part of me that agrees, it would be wonderful to share my experiences and insights. Even when I watch a race with my dad, he often says, ‘Someone needs to hear what you have to say during a race, because I learn so much from you’. That’s simply because I was one of the 20. A few of us have truly experienced it at that level. I recognize that many former drivers are in that space for a reason.

“However, there’s something invigorating about pursuing something entirely different in life. The thought of living two lives, in a way, is quite appealing. Perhaps closing that chapter and moving on sounds enticing. Yet, there are moments where I consider my 35 years of racing wisdom and experience; to just tuck it away and never let it be expressed feels like a waste.

“I’m uncertain. That’s why I haven’t jumped into anything, because I want to ensure whatever I do feels right.”