Ricciardo reflects on F1 exit, grateful Red Bull 'made the decision for me'

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed he was "grateful" that Red Bull and Racing Bulls made the decision to end his Formula 1 career for him in 2024, admitting he was emotionally exhausted and struggling to perform at his peak level. The eight-time grand prix winner says stepping away allowed him to find peace and reflect on a 14-season career that included 257 starts.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo's candid reflection provides a rare, honest look at the mental and emotional toll of competing at the highest level of motorsport, especially during a performance decline. His admission that it was becoming "harder" to pull out results he was proud of highlights the intense self-awareness required from drivers facing the end of their careers, and the difficulty of making that final call themselves.

The Details:

• Ricciardo stated on Ford CEO Jim Farley's podcast that after being let go twice in two years—first by McLaren in 2022 and then by the Red Bull family in 2024—the process had "taken a lot out of him."
• He acknowledged losing his seat to Liam Lawson late in the 2024 season was the reality, but said, "I was grateful that they made the decision for me. I think it would have been hard to be like, 'I'm done.'"
• The Australian driver admitted he had already sensed his time was up, citing a loss of performance: "I think I knew I was probably done because I knew it was harder for me to perform at the level I could. For whatever reason, I lost a little bit of something, and it's okay to admit it."
• He emphasized the importance of personal honesty over external encouragement, noting that while loved ones might say you can still compete, "they don't know what it's like to be you and in your situation."

Looking Ahead:

Now retired from F1, Ricciardo has shifted his focus to life beyond the cockpit. He is spending time in Australia, working as a global ambassador for Ford, and developing his Enchanté fashion brand. His reflections suggest a driver who has made a conscious and peaceful transition out of the sport, using his retirement year to fully process and appreciate his journey in Formula 1.