End of an Era: Daniel Ricciardo's Legendary F1 Journey

It’s hard to imagine Formula 1 without Daniel Ricciardo’s smile, and unmistakable Honey Badger spirit. After years of thrilling races, daring moves, and unforgettable podium finishes, Ricciardo has taken his final lap in F1 in Singapore, leaving a legacy far beyond his race results and winning driver of the day on his last-ever race. His fearless driving and undeniable charm made him one of the sport's most beloved characters, and one of my personal favorites. As we say goodbye to Daniel, it's only fitting to look back at the moments that made his career unforgettable. Here's to the laughter, the victories, and the memories Daniel Ricciardo gifted to the world of Formula 1.

First F1 Victory – Canadian Grand Prix (2014)

Daniel Ricciardo's first Formula 1 victory came thrillingly at the 2014 Canadian Grand Prix, a race that saw him overtake championship leader Nico Rosberg in the final laps. In a season dominated by Mercedes, Ricciardo seized a golden opportunity when both Rosberg and his teammate Lewis Hamilton encountered technical issues. Ricciardo passed Rosberg with just three laps to go, securing a sensational win and marking the start of his rise as one of F1's most exciting drivers. It was a moment that solidified Ricciardo’s place among the elites and helped Redbull drastically to secure that 2nd place in the constructor's championship.

Monaco Masterclass – Monaco Grand Prix (2018)

Daniel Ricciardo's 2018 Monaco Grand Prix win was nothing short of a masterclass and a moment of sweet redemption. Two years prior, in 2016, Ricciardo had heartbreakingly lost the race after leading from pole, only for a disastrous pit stop error from his team to hand victory to Lewis Hamilton. Fast forward to 2018, and Ricciardo was back on pole, determined to reclaim what he had been denied. Despite a crippling loss of power midway through the race, which cost him around 25% of his engine performance, Ricciardo drove flawlessly crossing the finish line first. His drive at Monaco was a testament to his skill, patience, and resilience, making it one of the most iconic wins of his career.

This was also His first win from pole position, as he led the 3 practice sessions, qualifying, and finally finished his weekend with a win he longed for.

The "Shoey" Celebration

After his podium finishes, Ricciardo's signature "shoey" celebration—drinking champagne from his racing boot—became a fan-favorite tradition. It was a quirky yet endearing reminder of his fun-loving and unique personality, making him one of the most beloved figures on the grid.

His celebration started to also breach other drivers, and so it lives after him.

Return to the Podium - Italian Grand Prix (2021)

After years of struggle with Renault and then McLaren, Ricciardo returned to the top of the podium at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, securing McLaren's first win in nine years. It was an emotional victory, with Ricciardo leading from start to finish, reminding everyone of the unstoppable racer he always had been.

Rising Above Expectations: Renault

Despite joining Renault during a challenging period for the team, Daniel Ricciardo proved that his talent could shine even in less competitive machinery. Driving the fifth-fastest car on the grid, Ricciardo consistently outperformed expectations. In 2020, he secured two podium finishes—third place both at the German Grand Prix (Eifel GP at Nürburgring) and the Italian Grand Prix (Emilia Romagna GP at Imola)—marking Renault’s first podium in nearly a decade and finishing 5th in the driver's championship.

Unforgettable Overtakes

Daniel Ricciardo has earned a reputation as one of the best overtakers in Formula 1, and several moments stand out as proof of his fearless, late-braking style. One of his most legendary overtakes came at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where, after a chaotic restart, Ricciardo stormed from 10th to 5th in a matter of laps, pulling off a breathtaking triple overtake into Turn 1 that left fans in awe. Another highlight is his late lunge on Valtteri Bottas at the 2018 Chinese Grand Prix, where Ricciardo seized the lead with a perfectly timed dive down the inside, securing one of his most thrilling victories. He also executed a remarkable move on Kimi Räikkönen at the 2014 Italian Grand Prix, surprising the Finn with an audacious pass at the Ascari chicane. Each of these overtakes showcased Ricciardo’s bold racing instincts and mastery of late braking, solidifying his reputation as one of the grid's most exciting drivers.

A Legacy of Laughter and Lightheartedness

Beyond his on-track performances, Ricciardo’s larger-than-life personality made him one of the most beloved figures in the paddock. His positivity, infectious laugh, and genuine passion for the sport endeared him to fans and drivers alike. Even in difficult moments, Ricciardo always brought lightness to the paddock, which made him irreplaceable in the F1 world. He always had a smile on his face until the very end.

As Daniel Ricciardo ends his Formula 1 career, he leaves an impressive record reflecting his skill, passion, and unforgettable presence on the grid. Throughout his time in F1, Ricciardo secured 8 Grand Prix victories, with wins in iconic races such as Monaco, Canada, and China. Despite his aggressive and calculated racecraft, he claimed 3 pole positions, proving his pace in qualifying. His penchant for relentless, attacking drives earned him 16 fastest laps, pushing the car to its limits during the heat of competition. Additionally, Ricciardo was awarded 32 Driver of the Day honors, a testament to his thrilling performances that consistently captivated fans worldwide. Daniel's legacy in Formula 1 is one of skill, determination, and a unique ability to light up any race weekend, making him a fan favorite and an unforgettable figure in the sport.

Good-bye Daniel, you'll be missed by this fan, and many more.

And as Daniel himself said, enjoy the butterflies.....