BREAKING:Daniel Ricciardo Officially Confirms End of F1 Career as Red Bull Chief Reveals Return Was Never…read more
BREAKING:Daniel Ricciardo Officially Confirms End of F1 Career as Red Bull Chief Reveals Return Was Never…read more
Daniel Ricciardo, once a key figure in Formula 1, has officially confirmed that his racing career in the sport has come to an end. This confirmation comes from Red Bull Racing’s Chief, Helmut Marko, who stated that there were never any discussions or plans to bring the Australian driver back into the F1 fold. Despite recent changes to Red Bull’s driver lineup, which saw Liam Lawson replaced by Yuki Tsunoda for the 2025 season, Marko made it clear that Ricciardo’s return was not under consideration.
Ricciardo, who was released from Red Bull at the end of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, made a brief appearance at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year, but according to Marko, the driver was gone by Thursday and did not return to the paddock for the remainder of the event. In an interview with the Dutch edition of Motorsport.com, Marko confirmed, “Daniel has driven his last race and has stayed away from Formula 1 since then. He was there briefly in Australia, but I think he was gone again on Thursday. This was never a topic.”
The statement from Marko effectively shuts down any lingering rumors about Ricciardo potentially returning to Formula 1. While some fans and media outlets speculated that Ricciardo might come back in 2026 with the announcement that Cadillac would be joining the grid, the 35-year-old driver himself has been clear about his intentions. Last year, during a fan event in New York, Ricciardo responded to speculation about a return by simply stating, “I’m done,” solidifying his stance that his time in F1 had come to an end.
Ricciardo’s departure from F1 marks the end of an era for the Australian driver, who had a storied career with Red Bull Racing and later McLaren. Throughout his time in the sport, Ricciardo became known for his bold overtakes, charismatic personality, and consistent performances on the track, winning eight Grand Prix races. His charm and fan-friendly attitude also made him one of the most popular drivers on the grid, earning him a loyal following worldwide.
In 2024, after a tough spell with McLaren, Ricciardo made a return to Red Bull Racing as a reserve driver. However, despite his valuable role within the team, Ricciardo’s racing days were officially brought to an end after the Singapore Grand Prix, where he was released from the team. His dismissal came after a period of disappointing performances, particularly in the highly competitive nature of the modern F1 landscape.
The changes in Red Bull’s driver lineup have been swift and decisive in recent seasons. After the 2024 season, Sergio Perez was also let go from the team, marking a significant reshuffling within the team, but despite Ricciardo’s past ties to Red Bull, Marko emphasized that a return was never an option. This shift in Red Bull’s driver structure is part of their ongoing commitment to maximize performance, with young talent like Tsunoda coming in to replace Lawson after the latter’s struggles at the beginning of the 2025 season.
While Ricciardo’s time as an F1 driver is over, the announcement about Cadillac joining the grid in 2026 had sparked hope among some fans that Ricciardo might make a surprise return with the American manufacturer. However, Ricciardo’s own words left little room for speculation when he responded to a fan’s question about a potential comeback with a definitive “I’m done.” This statement, coupled with Marko’s recent comments, seems to close the door on any chance of Ricciardo returning to the track as a competitive driver.
Ricciardo’s legacy in Formula 1 is significant, with eight Grand Prix victories under his belt, most notably his wins at the Canadian, Hungarian, and Monaco Grands Prix. He was also widely regarded for his role in revitalizing Red Bull’s fortunes after the departure of former teammate Sebastian Vettel. However, despite his considerable talent, Ricciardo found himself struggling to regain his former form after switching teams, which ultimately led to his decision to step away from racing at the highest level.
Although Ricciardo’s racing career may be over, his influence on Formula 1 remains undeniable. His ability to bring excitement to any race, his personality, and his approachability have earned him a special place in the hearts of F1 fans around the world. While he may not be returning to the cockpit, Ricciardo’s fans will no doubt continue to support him in whatever ventures he pursues next, whether it be in a non-racing role or new ventures entirely.
As the F1 world looks ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, Ricciardo’s absence will be felt, but his contributions to the sport are sure to be remembered by fans and fellow competitors alike. With new faces coming into the sport, including Tsunoda and the potential for fresh talent in 2026, Ricciardo’s departure represents the end of a chapter in Formula 1’s storied history.
