Top 10 Moments That Defined Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 Career

Daniel Ricciardo has been one of the most entertaining and talented drivers in Formula 1 over the last decade. From his cheeky grin to his daring overtakes, Ricciardo’s career has been filled with highs, lows, and unforgettable moments. Let’s take a look at the top 10 defining moments of his career:

1. Red Bull Sending Ricciardo on Loan to HRT (2011)

Every great driver’s journey begins somewhere, but Ricciardo’s started in a rather unexpected place. After joining the Red Bull Junior Team, he was loaned out to the backmarker Hispania Racing Team (HRT) mid-season in 2011. It wasn’t glamorous by any stretch—driving a slow car just to get experience—but it set the stage for his career. His performances showed he had raw speed, catching the attention of Red Bull bosses.

Daniel Ricciardo driving for HRT on his Formula 1 debut at the 2011 British Grand Prix

2. Claiming His Maiden Victory at Red Bull (2014 Canadian Grand Prix)

After joining Red Bull Racing in 2014, Ricciardo quickly proved he could mix it with the best. His first win came at the Canadian Grand Prix in 2014, after taking advantage of a mechanical issue for Nico Rosberg. That victory wasn’t just about luck, though. Ricciardo held off Sebastian Vettel and made a late pass on Rosberg, cementing his place as one of F1’s brightest talents.

The emotions – and champagne – flowed freely as Ricciardo could scarcely believe the circumstances behind his maiden win.

3. Debuting His Famous ‘Shoey’ Celebration (2016 Hockenheim)

If there’s one thing more iconic than Ricciardo’s overtakes, it’s his “shoey” celebration. After his podium at the 2016 German Grand Prix in Hockenheim, Ricciardo introduced the world to the infamous act of drinking champagne from his race boot. It wasn’t the last time either, and fans quickly fell in love with this quirky, celebratory move. Gross? Sure. But totally Ricciardo.

How the “shoey” became a Danny Ric tradition when he took to the podium.

4. Highs and Lows of Monaco

Monaco has always had a special place in Ricciardo’s heart, but it’s been a mixed bag of emotions for him. In 2016, he was on the verge of winning, only for a botched pit stop to rob him of victory. Fast forward to 2018, and redemption was sweet. Despite losing power in the car and being down on engine performance, Ricciardo held off Sebastian Vettel to claim an emotional win. He famously said, “Redemption has arrived!” That win symbolized his resilience and determination.

Danny Ric was on the hunt for a Monaco win since 2015 with Red Bull, he would rather forget all the races apart from 2018 where he triumphed

5. The Verstappen Crash That Shook Red Bull (2018 Azerbaijan GP)

One of the lowest points in Ricciardo’s Red Bull stint came during the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Tensions were rising between him and Max Verstappen, and it all boiled over when the two collided in a high-speed crash. Both cars were out of the race, and it sent shockwaves through the team. This crash is often cited as a major factor that pushed Ricciardo to rethink his future at Red Bull. Could this be when he realized the team’s future was shifting toward Verstappen?

Another race the “Honey Badger” would rather forget. Also a career shifting moment for the Australian.

6. The Big Gamble: Moving to Renault (2019)

Ricciardo made a bold decision at the end of 2018—leaving the highly competitive Red Bull to join Renault, a midfield team at the time. It shocked many fans, but Ricciardo believed in the long-term potential of Renault. While he didn’t get the same podium success, it showed his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and take risks in the hope of building something new.

In a move that shook the F1 community, Danny Ric’s believed big in his gamble to move ti Renault.

7. Becoming the Star of ‘Drive to Survive’

When Netflix released *Drive to Survive*, few could have predicted just how much it would elevate the personalities in F1. Ricciardo quickly became a fan favorite, with his charismatic interviews, candid moments, and sense of humor. The show catapulted Ricciardo into a whole new level of stardom, introducing him to millions of new fans who might not have followed F1 before.

Drive to Survive added charm and Charisma to Danny Ric’s character to F1 newcomers, not that he needed any.

8. Vettel’s Ferrari Exit Triggers McLaren Move (2021)

Sebastian Vettel’s decision to leave Ferrari at the end of 2020 set off a driver market shake-up. Ricciardo, who had been at Renault for two seasons, saw an opportunity to move to McLaren—a team that was rising in competitiveness. The move promised to be Ricciardo’s return to a race-winning team, although it took him time to find his footing there.

A dream achieved for the Australian as he made a move to British team, McLaren.

9. A Successful Silverstone Test Gave Him One Last F1 Chance (2023)

After parting ways with McLaren at the end of 2022, it seemed Ricciardo’s F1 career might have been over. However, after a successful test at Silverstone with Red Bull in 2023, he was given one more shot, this time with AlphaTauri. His performances at the test showed he still had the speed and drive to compete, giving him a lifeline to continue his journey in Formula 1.

A match made in heaven? Danny Ric in Red Bull colours just seems right.

10. 2023 Dutch Grand Prix Marks the Beginning of the End

Unfortunately, 2023 was a tough year for Ricciardo, and the Dutch Grand Prix may have marked the beginning of the end. A crash during practice left him with a broken hand, and questions about his future in F1 arose. While he’s had a remarkable career full of highs, this moment highlighted the brutal physical and mental toll that F1 takes on drivers, leaving many wondering what the next chapter holds for Ricciardo.

We all feel for Daniel Ricciardo, but the 2023 Dutch GP could very well have been the beginning of the end for the Australian.

The Honey Badger’s career has been filled with incredible highs and challenging lows, but one thing’s for sure: he’s always been one of the most beloved and exciting drivers on the grid. Whether it’s daring overtakes, his infectious personality, or his signature “shoey,” Ricciardo’s legacy in F1 is secure, and whilst he hasn’t announced what he will be doing in the future, he will surely be missed by everyone. Thanks for the memories and the smiles, Danny Ric!