Aussie superstar Daniel Ricciardo achieved 8 Formula 1 Grand Prix wins and 32 podium finishes during his 13-year career – but his house is devoid of racing mementos and memorabilia.
Ricciardo was let go by Racing Bulls after the 2024 Singapore GP, with Red Bull’s advisor Helmut Marko explaining that the Aussie was no longer showing the ‘killer instinct’ he had displayed earlier in his racing career.
The 36-year-old is now enjoying time away from the sport and has revealed that he doesn’t like to be reminded of his many racing achievements while at home.
‘It’s funny, I don’t really like having my racing stuff in my house,’ Ricciardo told Mel McLaughlin at Ray White’s Connect Conference on Monday.
‘If my parents have some of me in their house, that’s fine.
‘I’m still quite shy with some of the achievements.’
Daniel Ricciardo says he doesn’t like to keep racing mementos and memorabilia in his home
Eight-time race winner revealed that he has been adjusting to life away from Formula One
The beloved Aussie also joked about why he was now sporting a thick beard.
‘Well, I haven’t been shaving my face,’ he said.
‘The beard is my comfort right now.
‘I had a fallout with my barber and then I lost my razor. It’s been a tough six months.’
Ricciardo bid farewell to what he described as a ‘wild and wonderful’ career, having become one of the most popular drivers in the sport.
But like many athletes, stepping away from the fast-paced, rock and roll lifestyle that is professional sport, Ricciardo explained he struggled to adjust to life away from the glitz and glamour of Formula One.
‘I’ve lived this crazy, high-speed life for so long, and I just sat into a little bit of stillness,’ Ricciardo explained.
‘I suddenly wasn’t always surrounded by a ton of people giving their opinions and thoughts.’
Ricciardo explained he had been looking to become more ‘selfless’ and had ‘come to appreciate the little things more’ following his time in Formula One
Ricciardo parted company with Formula One team AlphaTauri in September 2024 after a 13-year career in the premier driving circuit
After the rigours of being a professional racing driver had encompassed his life for so long, Ricciardo explained he was now doing a bit of soul searching in order to understand who he truly was, while also admitting he was learning to become more magnanimous.
‘I’ve had a lot of time, I’ve done some hiking. I was in Alaska a few weeks ago and didn’t get mauled by a grizzly which was a bonus.
‘I’ve been trying to figure out who I am other than this race car driver.
‘I’ve come to appreciate the little things more and the meaning of the importance of family and friends.
‘I’ve always been driven, and that sometimes leads you to being selfish, so I’m trying to learn to be a bit more selfless and become a better listener.’
Ricciardo cut a philosophical figure as the Australian also delved into his sacking.
As yet, Ricciardo has not opened up on his plans for the future.
Since his departure from AlphaTauri there has been speculation that he might step back into racing in some capacity. However, it appears he is resigned to the fact that his time in Formula One has ended.
While he never got to become a world champion, the ever-humble Australian spoke of his pride at his achievements in the sport.
‘I never thought I would have this career. I never thought I’d be here, you know? That’s the truth,’ he explained.
‘Yes, my dream was to be world champion, and there were years along the way where I genuinely felt like it was gonna happen.
‘I got close, that’s OK.
‘If I were a world champion sitting here today, would it change how I feel or how I view myself, or anything like that? I don’t think so.
‘Maybe my ego would be big. We don’t want that. I have no regrets.’
