BREAKING: Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 Record Cleared as He Begins New Motorsport Role… Read more
Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 Record Cleared as He Begins New Motorsport Chapter
Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 journey has taken another symbolic turn, with the Australian’s penalty record now officially wiped clean. The eight-time grand prix winner has returned to zero penalty points on his FIA superlicence, just as he steps into a fresh role away from the F1 grid.
In Formula 1, drivers accumulate penalty points on their licence for rule infringements, and if 12 are collected within a 12-month span, an automatic race suspension follows. Ricciardo had carried one point since the 2024 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where stewards penalised him for forcing Haas driver Kevin Magnussen off the circuit. With a year now passed, the mark has expired, leaving Ricciardo with a completely clean record once more.
For Ricciardo, the reset comes at a time when his racing career at the highest level appears to be firmly in the rear-view mirror. Once heralded as one of Formula 1’s brightest prospects, the 35-year-old was released by the Visa Cash App RB team (VCARB) in September 2024. The Red Bull sister squad made the decision to part ways earlier than anticipated, handing Ricciardo’s seat to young New Zealander Liam Lawson.
That choice proved decisive in shaping Red Bull’s future driver line-up. Lawson impressed immediately, producing standout performances that soon earned him a promotion to the senior Red Bull team, where he replaced Sergio Perez. While Lawson’s rise marked a new era, Ricciardo’s departure signaled what many saw as the end of his Formula 1 chapter.
Since then, Ricciardo has largely withdrawn from the constant glare of the racing spotlight, choosing instead to spend time with friends and family while considering his next move. Earlier this week, however, he confirmed a significant new direction: he has been appointed Global Ford Racing Ambassador. In this role, Ricciardo will represent the American automotive giant across a variety of motorsport ventures worldwide, ensuring his name remains connected to competitive racing even if he is no longer on the F1 grid.
Despite never officially using the word “retirement,” Ricciardo has admitted that a return to Formula 1 is improbable. He was briefly linked to the upcoming Cadillac entry into the sport for 2026, but quickly brushed off the speculation. Speaking candidly earlier this year, he remarked, “Nah, I’m done,” a simple response that fans and pundits alike interpreted as an unofficial farewell. Any lingering rumours were put to rest when Cadillac announced Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as their chosen drivers for 2026.
Looking back, Ricciardo’s F1 career was one of thrills, charisma, and near-misses. After making his debut in 2011, he quickly established himself as a daring racer, particularly during his time with Red Bull between 2013 and 2018. All eight of his Formula 1 victories came during this period, alongside 32 podium finishes. His fearless overtaking style, easygoing smile, and magnetic personality made him a fan favourite worldwide.
Yet his later years told a different story. Moves to Renault, McLaren, and eventually VCARB brought flashes of brilliance, including his famous victory with McLaren at Monza in 2021, but consistency at the front of the grid eluded him. As the younger generation began to make its mark, Ricciardo struggled to reclaim the momentum that once had him pegged as a future world champion.
Still, Ricciardo’s popularity has never waned. For many fans, his influence goes far beyond the statistics on paper. He brought personality, humour, and a sense of showmanship to Formula 1 at a time when the sport was striving to connect with broader audiences. His clean penalty record now serves as a fitting final footnote to a career that, while short of titles, was rich in moments that delighted fans around the globe.
Though his days as a full-time driver appear over, Ricciardo’s new position with Ford ensures that his presence in motorsport will continue. Whether attending global events, promoting new initiatives, or mentoring future talent, he remains an active figure in the racing world. For supporters, it is less a goodbye than a transition — from the roar of F1 engines to a new role that allows Ricciardo to share his passion on a broader stage.
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