Daniel Ricciardo explains that life away from Formula 1 has allowed him to slow down and spend more time with his loved ones
Daniel Ricciardo has said that he now finds his life “a bit more real” without the hectic Formula 1 schedule. He spoke openly about the transition to a life away from the paddock.
The eight-time Grand Prix winner ended his Formula 1 career after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, when he was replaced at Racing Bulls by Liam Lawson. The Australian is now embracing the simple pleasures of a more structured daily routine away from the racing circuit.
Speaking recently on Conor Daly’s Speed Street podcast about this new chapter in his life, Ricciardo explained: “I’m just enjoying the slower pace of life and, ultimately, the fact that I can actually be in one place.”
“It’s literally the little things. Even at home: I can actually spend a real amount of time in Australia now, with family, with friends, and all that. These are just things you definitely take for granted when you have them. And deep down, I’ve always missed that. I’ve always missed being a kid, hanging out with friends, and going to birthday parties.”
“I used to come home for Christmas and always rush around trying to do 100 things at once because time is limited. But when you rush like that, it doesn’t really feel real. It’s almost like being in a movie. So now life feels a bit more real.”
Although Ricciardo enjoys the quieter sides of life, as a brand ambassador for the American automotive giant Ford, he still gets behind the wheel of various vehicles. Among other things, he was spotted on off-road drives in the Ford Raptor T1+, and he was also part of the Ford launch event for 2026 alongside Red Bull.
In addition to having fun in his role as a brand ambassador, he continues to run his fashion label Enchante. For the upcoming Indianapolis 500, the brand has just announced a collaboration with Daly under the name “Enchante 500.”