Ricciardo backed to forge ‘new career’ after F1 axe

Daniel Ricciardo has been backed to forge a new career path following his F1 axe by one world champion.

Jenson Button has backed Daniel Ricciardo to forge a new career after his F1 journey was all but ended with his axe from RB.

Ricciardo was jettisoned by RB after Singapore, to be replaced by Liam Lawson for the final six rounds of the season after failing to out-perform Yuki Tsunoda.

With the only other seat on the 2025 grid being that at Stake and which RacingNews365 understands will be retained by Valtteri Bottas, there is no vacancy on the grid for eight-time grand prix winner Ricciardo.

The Australian had received an offer from United States Grand Prix boss Bobby Epstein to serve as an ambassador for this weekend’s Austin race, but Ricciardo is enjoying downtime as he takes stock of his options.

But 2009 world champion Button feels the popular Perth-native will be able to turn his hand to whatever new career he decides.

“I think for Daniel, I struggle with the results he’s had lately because he’s an exceptional talent, he really is,” Button explained on the Sky Sports F1 podcast.

“To jump in the Red Bull when he did [in 2014] and go up against Sebastian Vettel, to go up against Max [Verstappen] and be as competitive as he was, it was unbelievable. It really was.

“We saw glimpses of it at Renault as well, he took some time to find his feet, but then he was extremely quick against [Nico Hulkenberg], who we all rate very highly.

“It just didn’t materialise at McLaren and AlphaTauri, which is such a shame. And why is that? I don’t know.

“It’s not his age. He’s not old. Look at Fernando Alonso, and what he can do. So the only person that knows is probably Daniel, and I feel for him because to be on such a high for a lot of your career, and then it fall away for the last few years, it’s tough.

“But I think, from what I’ve heard, he’s made peace with it, and he’s got his whole life in front of him.

“I know there’s so much to do out there after Formula 1, and fun things for him to do that he wasn’t able to do while he was in F1, but it always hurts a bit when it’s not your decision to leave.

“He’ll feel that pain for a little while – but then he’ll get over it and he’ll be all good.

“He’s such a personality. He’s got such a career in front of him, whether it’s in racing or TV, stand-up, whatever it is, Daniel will find the route that works for him.”

Daniel Ricciardo, one of the most charismatic and beloved drivers in Formula 1, has faced a challenging period in his career after being axed from McLaren. Despite the setback, Ricciardo has received significant support from fans, fellow drivers, and experts, who believe he has the potential to reinvent himself and find success in a “new career” path, either within or outside the motorsport world.

A Difficult End to His McLaren Stint

Ricciardo’s time with McLaren ended sooner than many expected, largely due to inconsistent performance and the pressure to deliver results. After joining the team in 2021 with high hopes, including a memorable win at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Ricciardo’s form began to falter. McLaren ultimately decided to part ways with him after the 2022 season, opting to bring in the younger, highly rated Oscar Piastri.

Although Ricciardo’s exit from McLaren was undoubtedly difficult, it wasn’t a complete surprise to many F1 insiders, as his results had not met expectations. However, this doesn’t mark the end of his career, as Ricciardo has made it clear he still has a passion for racing and is open to new opportunities.

Backed for a Fresh Start

Many believe that Ricciardo, with his impressive career spanning over a decade in Formula 1, has plenty of potential to forge a new path, whether in F1 or elsewhere. His experience and marketability make him a valuable asset in the motorsport world. Teams and sponsors alike recognize Ricciardo’s star power, both on and off the track, due to his engaging personality and strong fan following.

Former world champion and F1 commentator Jenson Button recently expressed his belief that Ricciardo could still play a significant role in motorsport. Button mentioned that Ricciardo’s unique skill set and reputation could lead him to new opportunities beyond just being a full-time F1 driver. Whether that’s exploring roles within other racing series like IndyCar or Formula E, or taking on media and ambassadorial duties, Ricciardo is well-positioned to succeed.

Potential Career Options

With his current hiatus from full-time racing in F1, Ricciardo has numerous potential career paths. Some believe a return to Red Bull as a reserve driver could serve as a stepping stone to rekindling his career in Formula 1. Red Bull has already shown interest in keeping him involved, and the possibility of Ricciardo returning to a competitive seat in the future remains open.

Beyond Formula 1, there are other motorsport avenues that Ricciardo could explore. A move to IndyCar, where several ex-F1 drivers have found success, could be an appealing option. Ricciardo has previously expressed interest in racing in the United States, and the competitive nature of the series could provide a fresh challenge for the Australian driver.

Another potential path could be a move to Formula E, the electric racing series that has gained momentum in recent years. With more manufacturers joining the grid and the sport growing in prominence, Ricciardo could explore this avenue as an alternative way to stay in top-level motorsport while embracing a new racing format.

Media and Ambassadorial Roles

Outside of racing, Ricciardo’s larger-than-life personality and marketability could see him transition into media roles or become a global ambassador for major brands. His charisma and popularity make him a natural fit for television presenting, commentary, or hosting shows centered around motorsport.

Ricciardo has already made appearances in documentaries like Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” which increased his global popularity. Building on that success, he could take on more prominent media roles, further broadening his reach in the entertainment and sports industries.

Moreover, Ricciardo is highly marketable, with several major endorsements. As a brand ambassador, he could continue to represent companies both within and outside motorsport, potentially leading to lucrative partnerships and media engagements.

Conclusion

While Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from McLaren marked a challenging chapter in his career, it is far from the end of his journey. Backed by fans and industry experts, Ricciardo is poised to reinvent himself, whether by returning to F1 or exploring new ventures in motorsport or media. His determination, charm, and racing pedigree will undoubtedly open doors, and his future, both on and off the track, remains bright.