Daniel Ricciardo has shared insights into his life after F1, describing his new appearance and a surprising encounter in the wilderness. After parting ways with Racing Bulls mid-season in 2024, the Australian driver is embracing a fresh perspective beyond the racetrack.
Though Ricciardo has not returned to competitive racing, the 36-year-old remains connected with fans through social media, where he shares updates about his projects and travels. For his July birthday, he was seen at Wimbledon with his parents, now sporting a much fuller beard than F1 enthusiasts are used to seeing.
Adjusting to Life Beyond the Track
During the Ray White Connect conference, Ricciardo opened up about how stepping away from racing has changed his outlook and explained the origin of his new facial hair style.
“Well, I haven’t been shaving my face. The beard is my comfort right now,”
Ricciardo said.
“This year has been a bit of self-exploration. I lived this crazy high-speed life for so long and this year I’ve sat into a little bit of stillness.”
The Reality of Moving On from F1
With Cadillac set to join the F1 grid as the 11th team, speculation arose about Ricciardo making a comeback. However, both he and Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon have confirmed that his racing career at this level has concluded. Lowdon stated that there is no need to persuade a driver to join his team, signaling Ricciardo’s retirement from F1 competition.
Ricciardo has embraced an active lifestyle after racing, including hiking trips to places like Alaska, where he shared a humorous brush with danger.
“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,”
he remarked.
He also reflected on his journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the value of relationships and slowing down.
“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.”
Ricciardo admitted that his relentless drive in racing sometimes made him selfish but that he is learning to become more selfless and attentive.
“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.”
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
Daniel Ricciardo’s transition from the fast-paced world of Formula 1 to a quieter, more reflective life highlights a deeper search for identity beyond his racing persona. Through spending time with family, exploring nature, and embracing stillness, he is reshaping his personal priorities. While his days as an F1 driver may be behind him, Ricciardo’s new outlook promises growth and new experiences away from the spotlight. Fans watching his journey will likely see him continue to share this evolving chapter of Daniel Ricciardo life after F1.