Ricciardo pictured two F1 titles, then a life beyond racing

For Daniel Ricciardo, Formula 1 once came with an exit plan: two world titles, then out. Ahead of the 2017 season, he hoped the new regulations would put Red Bull at the front; on the Beyond the Grid podcast, he recalled telling colleagues he wanted to win those titles within two years.

The contrast, in Ricciardo’s account, was not a lack of ambition but a shorter horizon. He said he had long wanted not to remain in Formula 1 too long, leaving room for a life beyond the sport and time to catch up on experiences he had missed.

Ricciardo acknowledged that every driver follows a different path, but pointed to former team-mate Max Verstappen as an example of a different mindset. He said Verstappen has always put racing first and focuses on becoming the world’s best driver, rather than on celebrity or every possible commercial deal.

His own crowded schedule, Ricciardo said, had not come from a deliberate effort to earn more or become famous. Commitments accumulated gradually, until they took over; at times, he thought he had only 30 minutes that week to train.

After a break of about six months, he returned in 2023 and tried to cut back, making training and racing his top priorities. He was unsure how fully he managed that. Ricciardo says he has no regrets, and sees the lessons of his experience as something that could help younger drivers.