An infectious smile, wicked humor, and passion for racing are some of the traits that describe Daniel Ricciardo, a champion racer. In his 13-year career, he has earned 32 podiums and eight victories. The “Honey Badger” brought an Australian flavor to F1 with his “shoey” as he chugged champagne through his sweaty racing boots after every win. After a decent stint with Red Bull and Renault, he joined hands with McLaren. However, he was sacked for Oscar Piastri and eventually returned to an RB team.
Despite a seemingly underwhelming return, where his VCARB teammate Yuki Tsunoda consistently outperformed him, he remained a rumored candidate to partner with Max Verstappen. However, VCARB has officially announced Liam Lason as Riciardo’s announcement for the remainder of the season. After this announcement, the F1 fraternity thanked Riciardo for all the memories as he drew curtains on an illustrious career.
Christian Horner Pens Down A Tribute Message For Ricciardo Following His F1 Exit
The emotional Honey Badger after the Singapore GP was proof that it was his last appearance. The Australian racer was flooded with emotions as he received a standing ovation from the crowd. Everything that happened before and after the Singapore showdown hinted towards Ricciardo’s VCARB exit. The news is official, and an iconic F1 racer is ready to leave the paddock. The Red Bull chief Christian Horner penned a beautiful message for Ricciardo after his F1 exit. He hailed Ricciardo for being “more than just a driver.” Additionally, Horner praised Ricciardo’s unwavering enthusiasm, humor, and positive attitude, affirming that he is leaving behind a lasting legacy. “Thank you for the wins, smiles, songs (and I wish I could say the shoeys), you will always be a special part of the Red Bull Family.” wrote Horner on his IG.
Reflecting on his journey in the sport, Ricciardo expressed his deep love for racing, describing it as both wild and wonderful. He acknowledged his incredible experiences and extended his gratitude to all the teams and individuals who supported him throughout his career. Ricciardo also recognized the fans, noting their passion for the sport, sometimes even surpassing his own.
While he acknowledged that his time in Formula 1 has included both highs and lows, he emphasized that it has been an enjoyable experience overall. In closing, Ricciardo conveyed that despite the challenges, he wouldn’t change a thing about his journey in the sport.
Mercedes Star Bid Adieu To The “Honey Badger”
Lewis Hamilton expressed their heartfelt tributes to Daniel Ricciardo, who gained fame as one of the standout personalities on the popular Netflix series Drive to Survive. In his tribute on Instagram, Hamilton reflected on the honor of competing against Ricciardo over the years. He reminisced about their memorable battles on the track, sharing a lighthearted moment when he drank from Ricciardo’s shoe, describing it as gross yet a cherished experience.
Hamilton conveyed his belief that Ricciardo has a bright future ahead, expressing excitement for what lies next in his career. He reassured Ricciardo of his unwavering support, emphasizing that he would always be there for him.