Daniel Ricciardo Reveals Emotional Struggle Following F1 Departure
Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about the emotional impact of his Formula 1 departure, revealing that he spent months struggling with feelings of failure and humiliation after being dropped by Racing Bulls in 2024.
The eight-time Grand Prix winner discussed his experiences during an emotional interview on Formula 1's Beyond The Grid podcast, released on 28 October 2026.
Ricciardo's F1 career ended following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, when Racing Bulls decided to replace him with Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.
The decision brought an abrupt conclusion to a career that began in 2011 and included some of Formula 1's most memorable victories.
Although Ricciardo initially appeared relaxed and cheerful in public, he has now revealed that his outward appearance concealed a much more difficult emotional experience.
The Australian admitted that losing his seat left him questioning his abilities and struggling to accept that his Formula 1 journey had ended.
Ricciardo Admits He Was Hiding His Pain
Throughout his Formula 1 career, Ricciardo became known for his infectious smile, positive personality and entertaining interviews.
However, the Australian explained that maintaining that image became a way of hiding his disappointment after leaving the sport.
Speaking to podcast host Tom Clarkson, Ricciardo reflected on the pressure he placed on himself throughout his career.
He explained that professional racing requires drivers to develop an extremely competitive mindset, but that same mentality can make it difficult to accept declining performance.
Ricciardo described his initial reaction to losing his seat as a feeling of humiliation.
“It's then a sense of humiliation, like I failed and I didn't do what I once could,”
Ricciardo admitted.
He explained that while people saw him enjoying himself publicly, he was privately struggling with the loss of the career he had pursued since childhood.
The experience was particularly painful because Ricciardo had once dreamed of becoming Formula 1 World Champion.
After years of fighting to return to a competitive position, he was forced to accept that the opportunity had passed.
Why Ricciardo's F1 Career Ended in 2024
Ricciardo's Formula 1 career began with HRT in 2011 before he moved to Toro Rosso.
His breakthrough came after joining Red Bull Racing in 2014.
During five seasons with Red Bull, he established himself as one of the championship's leading drivers, securing seven Grand Prix victories.
He subsequently moved to Renault before joining McLaren in 2021.
Although Ricciardo won the 2021 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, his McLaren career was otherwise challenging.
He struggled to match teammate Lando Norris and left the team at the end of 2022.
Ricciardo returned to the Red Bull organisation in 2023 and secured a comeback opportunity with AlphaTauri, later renamed Racing Bulls.
However, his return was interrupted by a broken hand sustained during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend.
Despite continuing with the team in 2024, inconsistent performances ultimately led to his replacement by Liam Lawson.
The Singapore Grand Prix became his final Formula 1 appearance.
Ricciardo Reveals He Considered Quitting F1 Years Earlier
One of the most surprising revelations from Ricciardo's interview was that he had considered leaving Formula 1 long before his eventual departure.
The Australian admitted that the demands of the championship had sometimes left him feeling exhausted.
He recalled seriously questioning his future after the 2015 British Grand Prix.
Another particularly difficult moment came following the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix during his time with McLaren.
Ricciardo revealed that he told members of his team he no longer wanted to continue racing.
However, those feelings did not result in an immediate retirement.
He explained that the people around him often encouraged him to keep competing, reinforcing his belief that he could still succeed.
Looking back, Ricciardo now questions whether he would ever have voluntarily stepped away from Formula 1.
He believes he might have continued racing even when his motivation was declining.
That realisation has changed how he views Racing Bulls' decision to release him.
Ricciardo Admits He Is Partly Grateful Racing Bulls Ended His Career
Although Ricciardo remains unhappy with the way his Formula 1 career ended, he now recognises that the decision gave him an opportunity to begin a different chapter.
During the interview, he acknowledged that continuing to receive contract extensions might have prevented him from making the decision himself.
“I still don't like how it ended,”
Ricciardo said.
However, he also admitted that part of him is grateful the team made the decision.
The Australian explained that he has since discovered aspects of life that were difficult to experience while competing in Formula 1.
A full-time racing career involves constant travel, intense preparation and limited opportunities to spend extended periods with family and friends.
After leaving the championship, Ricciardo began rebuilding relationships and spending more time at home in Australia.
He also gained an opportunity to reflect on his achievements without the pressure of preparing for the next race.
Despite never winning the World Championship, Ricciardo enjoyed a successful Formula 1 career spanning more than a decade.
His eight victories included memorable performances at Monaco, Monza and several other circuits.
He was also widely respected for his aggressive overtaking style, particularly his ability to execute late-braking manoeuvres.
Daniel Ricciardo's Legacy Goes Beyond His Final Race
Daniel Ricciardo may not have ended his Formula 1 career in the way he imagined.
His final appearance at Singapore in 2024 was followed by disappointment, uncertainty and a difficult period of adjustment.
But his latest interview reveals a different perspective.
Two years after leaving the grid, Ricciardo is no longer defining his career by its ending.
Instead, he is learning to appreciate the victories, experiences and relationships that made his time in Formula 1 memorable.
His story is no longer simply about losing a race seat.
It is about accepting change, rediscovering purpose and recognising the value of what he achieved.
Eight Grand Prix victories. Thirty-two podiums. Thirteen years in Formula 1.
Daniel Ricciardo may have left the grid with feelings of humiliation, but he now looks back on his career with pride.
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