The chequered flag seems to have waved one last time for 8-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo.
With RB confirming that Liam Lawson will be replacing the Aussie for the remainder of the 2024 F1 season, it looks like another surprise return to F1 is unlikely for Ricciardo.
With his vibrant personality and infectious smile, Ricciardo has not only captivated fans around the world but also left an indelible mark on the sport itself, and also deeply upon the drivers he shared the sport with.
As he steps aside, his fellow drivers have taken to social media to offer their tributes to one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
Max Verstappen:
Max Verstappen joined Ricciardo at Red Bull Racing in 2015, just as Ricciardo was securing his status in the team, and as one of the sport’s leading talents.
Despite some of their more heated moments on track, particularly at Baku in 2018, the pair have retained an incredible closeness, and Verstappen offered a simple yet powerful goodbye to the honey badger’s career with a comment on Ricciardo’s Instagram post.
“Head up mate! Many more beautiful moments to come 💪❤️.”
Sergio Pérez:
Despite rumours that Ricciardo was after Sergio Pérez’s seat for the 2025 season, Pérez expressed his appreciation for Ricciardo’s contributions to Red Bull Racing, to the F1 grid, and the remarkable milestones he surpassed.
“It has been a pleasure to share so many years together and look at everything you have accomplished. You can be very proud as we all are of you. Enjoy the next chapter, bro ❤️ @danielricciardo.”
Lewis Hamilton:
Seven-time world champion, and one of Ricciardo’s fiercest competitors, Lewis Hamilton, wrote a touching post filled with fond memories of the pair.
“@danielricciardo it’s been a honour to compete with you over the years. I’ll never forget the battles, the laughs, and drinking out of your shoe 🤢 It was gross, but glad I got to do it with you bud. You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it. There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”
With a nod to Ricciardo’s infamous “shoey” celebration, Hamilton praised Ricciardo for his authenticity in the sport.
He also commented “legend 🫂” on Ricciardo’s Instagram post.
George Russell:
George Russell expressed his admiration for Ricciardo with a reference to his nickname, “The Honey Badger,” making note of his tendency towards fearlessness and daring moves on track.
“F1 won’t be the same without you, mate. All the best on the next adventure, Ricciardo Daniel. 🍯🦡”
Carlos Sainz:
Carlos Sainz joined Renault in 2017, and in 2019, Ricciardo made a high-profile switch from Red Bull to the same team. Sainz, reflecting on their years shared in the paddock, posted a warm farewell.
“It’s been great to share the paddock with you all these years. I wish you all the best legend 💪🏻 @danielricciardo.”
Charles Leclerc:
Charles Leclerc shared a simple yet poignant message, noting how Ricciardo’s personality brought a unique energy to the paddock, and to the sport.
“The one and only @danielricciardo You’ll be missed in the paddock mate. Good luck with everything.”
Pierre Gasly:
Pierre Gasly and Ricciardo’s relationship traces back to their time in the Red Bull Racing family when Gasly was promoted to the senior Red Bull team in 2019 after Ricciardo moved to Renault. Gasly shared several photos with the driver, and added the following.
“Congrats on your career DR!! A huge lot to be proud of!! I will always remember that one time you showed up in the paddock riding that horse, hell yeah!! One of a kind, and enjoyed those late dive bombs of yours, we will miss you in the paddock honey badger. All the best on your next adventures and enchanté buddy!! @danielricciardo”
He also commented “Congrats for what you achieved champ!” on Ricciardo’s Instagram post.
Esteban Ocon:
Esteban Ocon, who shared a team with Ricciardo at Renault, expressed his gratitude for the lessons he learned from him.
“It’s been a pleasure Danny Ric! You’re a top guy and a great competitor, and I learned a lot from you during our time together at Renault. You made your mark on the sport and should be very proud of your achievements. No doubt you’ll lick the stamp and send it and be successful in whatever you do next! All the best mate!! 🦡”
His post emphasises the mentorship and influence Ricciardo had on his own career.
He also commented: “Congrats for all you achieved in your career mate. Learned a lot from you during our time together. Wishing you all the best for your next adventure!” on Daniel’s Instagram post.
Yuki Tsunoda:
Yuki Tsunoda, Ricciardo’s most recent teammate, shared his thoughts, emphasising the Aussie’s legacy within F1.
“It was a big pleasure to be your teammate this last year @danielricciardo , we had many great times together and I learned a lot from working with you. Your legacy in the sport is one I really admire and I wish you the best of luck for whatever comes next 🙏”
Ricciardo joined Tsunoda at AlphaTauri, and then RB, after Red Bull Racing gave him a second chance after they sacked Nyck de Vries and put him in the AlphaTauri at the Hungarian GP in 2023.
Lando Norris:
Lando Norris kept it simple yet meaningful, commenting “Ly brother ❤️” on Ricciardo’s farewell post.
Their friendship grew during Ricciardo’s stint at McLaren from 2021-2022, where Norris learnt from the older driver, who brought a wealth of experience from his time at Red Bull and Renault.
McLaren cut ties with Ricciardo at the end of 2022, replacing him with Oscar Piastri.
Oscar Piastri:
Oscar Piastri, the driver who controversially replaced Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren ahead of the 2023 season, acknowledged his fellow Aussie’s achievements and legacy within the sport with a straightforward.
“Congrats on everything you achieved DR 👏.”
Fernando Alonso:
Even our F1 grid veteran Fernando Alonso joined in, encouraging Ricciardo with a message of hope.
“New adventures to come champ 🙏🙌”
Alonso’s words remind us that while this chapter may be closing, new opportunities await Ricciardo, a sentiment thatresonates strongly with fans who hope to see him return to the sport once again, in any capacity.
Christian Horner:
Christian Horner, CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, wrote a tribute to Ricciardo’s story within the team’s history.
“From the moment you arrived at Red Bull it was obvious you were so much more than just a driver. Your constant enthusiasm, sense of humour and attitude will leave an indelible legacy on the Team here in Milton Keynes and F1 as a whole. Thank you for the wins, smiles, songs (and I wish I could say the shoeys), you will always be a special part of the Red Bull Family. 8 wins, 32 podiums, 1329 points. These statistics and accolades are not the only measure of who you are and what you have achieved. Thank you Daniel.”
Horner reflected on Ricciardo’s contributions, noting the legacy he leaves behind, that these numbers and stats only tell part of the story. His gratitude highlighted the emotional bond Ricciardo shares with the Red Bull family.
Daniel Ricciardo’s Farewell
In his farewell post, Ricciardo expressed his love for the sport:
“I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey. To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you. It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.”
His words will resonate with every fan who has followed his career, followed his highs and his lows, watched him leave the sport, watched him return, and watched him leave once more.
While the track and the paddock will feel a bit emptier, and maybe a little duller, without the Honey Badger, his legacy will live on in the hearts of the fans, and the stories shared among those who raced alongside him.
Here’s to Daniel Ricciardo — a true icon of Formula 1. You will be missed.
