Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about the jarring lifestyle shift that followed the end of his Formula 1 career, describing his former race weekend routine as “far from normal” now that he’s stepped away from the sport.
The Australian driver, who departed RB after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, spent 13 years competing at the highest level of motorsport — a period during which the intense demands of the F1 paddock became his baseline for what constituted a normal working life.
Only after leaving the grid has Ricciardo gained perspective on just how extreme that lifestyle truly was. The eight-time grand prix winner has suggested the relentless schedule and constant pressure of race weekends was something he adapted to over time, making it seem routine despite being anything but.
A Career Defined by Intensity
Ricciardo’s most successful years came during his time at Red Bull Racing, where he secured all eight of his grand prix victories and established himself as one of the sport’s most popular and talented drivers. His final season saw him race for RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda before his exit from Formula 1.
The Perth native’s comments highlight a common experience among retiring athletes: the shock of re-entering a world where schedules are not dictated by race calendars, travel itineraries, and minute-by-minute commitments. For someone who spent over a decade in the F1 ecosystem, the contrast with post-racing life has clearly been stark.
What’s Next
Since hanging up his helmet, Ricciardo has begun to explore life beyond the cockpit. While he has not ruled out future involvement in motorsport, his immediate focus appears to be reclaiming personal time and pursuing interests outside of racing.
The 2026 F1 season continues without Ricciardo on the grid, but his reflections serve as a reminder of the unique pressures faced by drivers at the pinnacle of the sport — pressures that only become fully visible once they step away.