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Daniel Ricciardo Declared “Unluckiest Driver” in 2024 by F1 Fans
Former Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo has received a surprising boost from fans, despite being left without a seat for the 2025 season. The Australian driver, who was dropped from Visa Cash App Red Bull (VCARB) in September, was recently voted the “unluckiest driver” of the 2024 season in an end-of-year fan poll.
Ricciardo’s F1 career took a major hit when Red Bull replaced him with New Zealand driver Liam Lawson. Following his strong performances, Lawson has now been promoted to the senior Red Bull team for 2025, where he will partner with reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Ricciardo, a fan favorite, remains on the sidelines, with no confirmed plans for his return to the grid.
A Tough 2024 Season for Ricciardo
Ricciardo’s time at VCARB was marked by struggles, as he failed to match the performance of his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. Despite his experience and undeniable talent, the Australian struggled to score significant points for the team, leading to his departure. Tsunoda’s consistent performances ultimately solidified his position, while Ricciardo faced the tough consequences of a challenging year.
Fan Recognition and Support
Despite his on-track difficulties, Ricciardo remains a beloved figure among fans. In the GPFans end-of-season awards, he earned 44% of the vote in the “unluckiest driver” category, far ahead of his closest competitors. Valtteri Bottas, who garnered 19% of the vote, came in second, while Carlos Sainz secured 18%. Sainz’s own misfortune included losing his Ferrari seat, further reflecting the competitive nature of the sport.
Yuki Tsunoda, Ricciardo’s former teammate, also featured prominently in the poll, receiving 16% of the votes. Fans noted Tsunoda’s misfortune in being overlooked for a promotion to the main Red Bull team, despite his consistent performances. Meanwhile, Williams driver Alex Albon trailed behind with just 3% of the vote.
What’s Next for Ricciardo?
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, questions linger about Ricciardo’s future in F1. While his popularity among fans remains strong, his absence from the 2025 grid highlights the unforgiving nature of the sport. For now, Ricciardo’s focus may turn to other opportunities, whether in motorsport or beyond, as he evaluates his next steps.
Fan Poll Highlights Support for Drivers Facing Challenges
The GPFans poll, conducted after the season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 8, asked fans to weigh in on several categories, including “best non-champion driver,” “most improved team,” and “unluckiest driver.” Ricciardo’s overwhelming win in the latter category underscores the enduring connection he has with F1 enthusiasts worldwide.
While Ricciardo’s 2024 season ended on a disappointing note, the recognition from fans serves as a reminder of his impact on the sport. As the 2025 season approaches, F1 fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on any developments in Ricciardo’s career, hoping to see the charismatic Australian make a triumphant return to the grid.
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