F1 legend and Drive to Survive star Daniel Ricciardo has announced his exit from the sport after 14 seasons, and his fellow drivers have flocked to pay their respects.
Daniel was a driver for the Visa Cash App Red Bull team and had six races left to complete for 2024. However, on September 27, it was abruptly announced that Liam Lawson would replace the Aussie for the remainder of the season.
“I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey,” Daniel wrote in his Instagram announcement.
“To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you. It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.”
Just hours after the news broke that Daniel was leaving Formula 1, tributes from his former competitors started pouring in.
Drive to Survive F1 drivers react to Daniel Ricciardo’s axing
Some of the biggest names in Formula One have taken to social media to wish Daniel the best following his exit.
Pierre Gasly, who drove for Red Bull immediately following Daniel’s departure from the team in 2019, shared a lengthy post about the Aussie driver’s impact on him over the years.
“Congrats on your career DR!!” he began.
“A huge lot to be proud of!! I will always remember that one time you showed up in the paddock riding that horse, hell yeah!! One of a kind, and enjoyed those late dive bombs of yours, we will miss you in the paddock honey badger. All the best on your next adventures and enchanté buddy!!”
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who has won a joint-record seven Formula One World Drivers’ Championship titles, reminisced about his time on F1 with Daniel.
“It’s been a honour to compete with you over the years. I’ll never forget the battles, the laughs, and drinking out of your shoe 🤢 It was gross, but glad I got to do it with you bud,” he wrote.
“You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it. There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man,” Lewis concluded.
Fellow Mercedes driver George Russel also took to his IG grid to congratulate Daniel on his career.
” F1 won’t be the same without you, mate. All the best on the next adventure, Ricciardo Daniel. 🍯🦡,” he wrote.
A handful of Daniel’s fellow Formula 1 racers, including Daniel’s former Redbull teammate and current world number one Max Verstappen, also took to the comments section of his post to send their well wishes.
“Head up, mate! Many more beautiful moments to come,” Max wrote.
McLaren racer Lando Norris commented” “Ly brother”.
“Congrats for all you achieved in your career mate. Learned a lot from you during our time together. Wishing you all the best for your next adventure!” Alpine driver Esteban Ocon penned.
Christian Horner reacts to Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 exit
Head of Red Bull Christian Horner, who was Daniel’s principal when he was on the team – and who’s been a clear fan of his throughout the seasons of Drive To Survive – took to Instagram to give the Aussie driver a send-off.
“From the moment you arrived at Red Bull it was obvious you were so much more than just a driver. Your constant enthusiasm, sense of humour and attitude will leave an indelible legacy on the Team here in Milton Keynes and F1 as a whole,” Christian wrote.
“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.”
“8 wins, 32 podiums, 1329 points. These statistics and accolades are not the only measure of who you are and what you have achieved. Thank you Daniel.”
Bring him back already, Christian!
Stream Drive to Survive on Netflix.
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