Yippe Ki-Yay, Daniel Ricciardo
Farewell to the Honey Badger
The Singapore Grand Prix is usually a spectacle of lights and physical endurance, but this year, the neon glow felt a little dimmer. While Lando Norris dominated the front of the pack, the real story was unfolding at the back: the unceremonious, bittersweet exit of Daniel Ricciardo.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
The timing of Daniel’s exit—with six races still left in the season—felt "weird" and undeniably "unceremonious" for a driver of his stature. As Patrick noted, "You don't really give a proper send-off to people who are fired," and that’s essentially what happened here. Despite being a Red Bull loyalist and a favorite of Christian Horner, the performance gaps were too large to ignore.
We saw the writing on the wall during those poignant post-race images in Singapore: Daniel sitting in his car just a few moments longer, soaking in the cockpit of an F1 car for perhaps the final time.
The Legacy of the "Closet Texan"
Daniel Ricciardo wasn't just a driver; he was a personality that transcended the sport. As a Western Australian with a massive "Texas Aussie" attitude, he brought a levity to the paddock that is increasingly rare in the corporate, highly regulated world of modern F1.
Lewis is dull. Max is dull. They’re amazing racers, but you aren't going to go hang out and have a fun time with them. Daniel Ricciardo? You're going to have a blast.
Whether it was the iconic (and slightly disgusting) Shoei on the podium or his starring role in Drive to Survive, Ricciardo’s impact was massive.
By the Numbers: The Ricciardo File
Grand Prix Starts: 258
Wins: 8 (Including that unforgettable 1-2 at Monza)
Podiums: 32
Career Points: 1,329
Elite Status: One of only three Red Bull Academy drivers to win for the main team (alongside Vettel and Verstappen).
What’s Next: IndyCar, NASCAR, or the Booth?
While there’s talk of Daniel heading to NASCAR or IndyCar, he truly feels like an "F1 driver" at his core. However, his future might shine brightest away from the steering wheel. We’d love to see him take over American airwaves—imagine Daniel hosting a travel show or providing commentary for an American F1 broadcast. He flourishes in the spotlight; he just hasn't been flourishing on the track lately.
The Trial of Liam Lawson
With Daniel out, the pressure shifts entirely to Liam Lawson. He has six races to prove he deserves that seat for 2027. But, the leash is short. If Lawson doesn't consistently beat Yuki Tsunoda or score points, Red Bull might look elsewhere—perhaps toward the rising star Franco Colapinto, who has been turning heads at Williams.
Either way, Texas is always a wild ride, and while we’ll miss the "Cowboy" Daniel Ricciardo in the paddock, the fight between Max and Lando is just getting started.
