Daniel Ricciardo: A Legacy of Speed, Smiles, and Unforgettable Moments

On March 8, 2019, Formula 1: Drive to Survive premiered with Season 1, Episode 1: All to Play For. At precisely 2:36 into the episode, after the introduction to the documentary, we meet our first protagonist: Daniel Ricciardo. Episode title read: ”Driver Daniel Ricciardo looks to make a statement on the track while the teams prepare for the first race of the season at the Australian Grand Prix.”

For many viewers, especially those unfamiliar with Formula 1, Daniel became the face of the sport. His vibrant personality and infectious charm left a lasting impression on the growing American fanbase, sparking a love affair with both the driver and the sport. Ricciardo, an Australian-born Formula 1 driver, was the perfect choice for this introductory moment. Some might say it was a nod to the first race of the 2018 season being held in Australia. Others believe Netflix knew exactly what they were doing by selecting this young, handsome, charismatic driver with a smile that stretches for miles and a laugh so contagious it instantly warms the heart.

Millions of Daniel Ricciardo fans are currently grieving his unexpected departure from Formula 1. Many are left questioning why it had to happen this way, especially after learning that Liam Lawson, his replacement, has known for weeks that he would be taking Ricciardo’s seat. Why couldn’t the team wait until the end of the season? Perhaps the biggest question of all is: why didn’t Red Bull announce ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix that it would be Ricciardo’s last race? Why wasn’t Daniel given the chance to say a proper goodbye?

Daniel Ricciardo made his Formula 1 debut at the 2011 British Grand Prix, earning a full-time drive with Toro Rosso in 2012. Known for his late braking moves and daring overtakes in the tightest of gaps, Ricciardo’s aggressive yet calculated driving style earned him eight wins and 32 podiums over 14 seasons. With 257 race starts, 1,329 drivers’ championship points, and 17 fastest laps, his legacy is undeniable. At the Singapore Grand Prix—potentially his final race—Ricciardo left his mark by setting a new lap record at the Marina Bay Street Circuit with a time of 1:34.486 on his last lap.

Thank you for the butterflies, Daniel. Thank you for that infectious smile and laugh—especially when you had the whole FIA press conference in stitches, and could get Lando Norris hysterical within seconds. Thank you for the goofy antics with teammates: dressing as Santa while Max Verstappen donned an elf costume, racing Lando on hippity hops (accidentally smacking him in the face with one), or pushing Yuki Tsunoda into the ocean, joining him out of solidarity because of Yuki’s fear of sharks. But most of all, thank you for always being authentically you.

Ricciardo gave everything to this sport and to the five teams he raced for. He will forever be remembered and loved, known as one of the grid’s greatest overtakers. His passion for racing was evident every time he got behind the wheel. Formula 1 is better because of him, and we can be grateful for the time we had with him.