Ricciardo speaks up for the first time after a storm of criticism over new job

11:53, 02 Jul

Updated: 11:54, 02 Jul

bySandy van Wijngaarden

Daniel Ricciardo has been absent from the Formula 1 paddock for some time now. Not long ago, the Australian announced his new source of income, which was met with significant criticism from fans. Ricciardo has provided an update on his life outside of racing.

“All good!,” Daniel Ricciardo said at a kart race at Buckmore Park about his life after his Formula 1 career to Formula1.com.

Ricciardo Updates on Life Without F1

“I’m just enjoying some life in the slow lane. I mean, it sounds weird saying like retirement when I’m 35 years old, but retirement from at least the world I was living in. It’s cool."

The former Red Bull Racing driver likes to serve as an inspiration for young karters. “I think just to have someone that you want to try and obviously look up to and someone that can inspire you… if I’m able to sprinkle a tiny bit of inspiration or motivation today by being here and having a chat to a few kids, that’s awesome. That’s something I know I appreciated when I was eight, nine, 10 years old.”

Daniel Ricciardo during his last Grand Prix in Formula 1

Ricciardo was replaced by Liam Lawson in 2024 due to disappointing performances after the Singapore Grand Prix. Since then, there has been quiet around Australia until a few weeks ago. He then announced that he had started a collaboration with the betting website Dabble. This partnership was met with significant criticism from fans, leading the Australian to limit replies on his social media channels.