Written by Ashleigh McGregor, Edited by Madison Cooper
Formula 1’s honey badger saw an unceremonious cut from the Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 team on September 26th, 2024. During the Singapore Grand Prix rumours swirled around Daniel Ricciardo’s future, suggesting he would be cut mid-season.
Speculation that it was his last race was high and Ricciardo himself even admitted he was unsure of his future.
Fans, drivers, and commentators were all unhappy with the way Ricciardo was treated – without a proper send-off since it seemed the team knew they were cutting him.
Where could we see Ricciardo next? He is wildly popular in the F1 community and is especially favored among American fans.
Getting cut before the Circuit of the Americas Grand Prix, a race so entwined with Ricciardo himself, was a huge loss to fans. The same fans who will be interested in seeing him involved in Formula 1.
F1 Presenter/ PR Ambassador
Known for his charm and big smile, there is no doubt that F1TV will want to scoop up Ricciardo as a presenter. As a former multi-race-winning Formula 1 driver, his insight into races and strategy would be second to none.
We have occasionally seen one-time world champion Nico Rosberg on F1TV, and he always provides great opinions, commentary and reactions for fans.
The marketing advantages he brings, especially in America, is something brands and companies have to be trying to scoop up for themselves.
While Ricciardo might not want to be a guest presenter just yet, he has already proven he can be a successful brand ambassador. Since his departure from F1, Ricciardo has been featured in a social media campaign for Beats by Dre alongside other notable athletes.
Enchanté
Ricciardo is a business owner of the clothing brand ‘Enchanté’, named after the French greeting of ‘nice to meet you’. Ricciardo was recorded saying enchanté in the paddock often, causing the phrase to be associated with him.
Enchanté was always running while he was racing in F1, but now, he might be able to put more energy into the brand and expand it. Since his departure from F1, Austin, Texas and Las Vegas, have had pop-up events for themed collections from the brand.
Most recently, in December, he had a pop-up shop in New York City that featured a new collection, some race gear for fans to check out, and an Enchanté Café inside the space where Ricciardo made a couple of lattes for fans.
A new Motorsport career
Ricciardo has proven to be a phenomenally skilled driver, and if F1 is really off the table for good, it would be no hard feat for him to switch to a different motorsport category. It’s no secret that Daniel has a love for motocross.
With a few friends in the sport already there’s a chance we could see him take a shot at it. But it seems more likely for him to go to a new series, such as Le Mans, IndyCar or WEC.
His fans will follow him in whatever racing category he is a part of, and are pushing for him to get back into F1.
Rumours are still building up about him stepping back into F1 with a seat at RedBull, given that Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez was dropped after the 2024 season for Liam Lawson. The last seat on the 2025 grid consequently fell to rookie Isack Hadjar.
With six rookies joining F1 next season, mid-season driver swaps may be possible. Mercedes saw the return of Valtteri Bottas as a reserve driver - something Ricciardo could do for a few teams.
2026 will see the addition of an eleventh team – Cadillac F1, bringing two new seats to the grid. Fans would love to see Ricciardo in one of them, and having an experienced winning driver on a brand new team is a necessity.
Enjoying the butterflies
For now, Ricciardo is enjoying his time off and life away from Formula 1. He’s been attending football games, hanging with friends, and relaxing from the demanding schedule that is F1.
Whatever he does next, we are sure it will be spectacular. Let us know where you think we will see Ricciardo next.
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