Daniel Ricciardo: Indy 500 'Scares the Shit Out of Me'

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he has no plans to compete in the Indianapolis 500, saying the event "scares the shit out of me." The former F1 driver will attend this weekend's race as a guest, promoting his wine brand alongside IndyCar driver Conor Daly, but insists he has no desire to take part.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo's comments highlight a respectful yet clear divide between F1 and IndyCar disciplines. While both series involve elite open-wheel racing, the unique challenge of oval circuits and high-speed pack racing creates a level of risk that even seasoned F1 drivers like Ricciardo and Max Verstappen find daunting. This perspective offers insight into why few modern F1 champions have attempted the Indy 500.

The details:

• Ricciardo appeared on Conor Daly's Speed Street podcast ahead of the Indy 500, where Daly starts from eighth on the grid.
• "It's different, what you guys do. ... it scares the shit out of me," Ricciardo said.
• He emphasized there is no superiority among F1 drivers: "We all just ultimately love racing. You guys do a very different discipline, especially the oval stuff."
• Max Verstappen previously stated: "I don't need to risk my life there and potentially injure myself," a sentiment Ricciardo shares.
• Ricciardo attended a sprint car race in Australia over Christmas and expressed awe: "They are freaking awesome, and they're crazy."

The big picture:

The Indy 500 remains one of motorsport's most prestigious events, yet it has struggled to attract top F1 talent in recent decades. The last F1 driver to win the race was Jim Clark in 1965, and fewer than a handful of active F1 drivers have ever attempted it. Ricciardo's honest admission reinforces the idea that the physical and mental demands of oval racing are a different beast altogether.

What's next:

Ricciardo will be at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a spectator this weekend, focusing on his wine brand rather than a racing seat. For now, his F1 career may be over, but he remains a fan of the sport's diversity — from the stands.