Ricciardo admits forced F1 exit came as a relief
Daniel Ricciardo felt exhausted and relieved when McLaren and Racing Bulls ended his F1 career after 2024.
The Perth-born former Formula 1 driver says being let go twice in recent years took a toll on him physically and mentally. Ricciardo struggled at McLaren in 2022 to match teammate Lando Norris, was signed by Red Bull as a reserve, then parachuted into a Racing Bulls seat for a comeback attempt.
A hand injury from a crash at Zandvoort sidelined him and cost him momentum. Ricciardo lasted another year before being dropped for good after the Singapore round in 2024.
In hindsight, Ricciardo said he was grateful the teams made the decision to end his career rather than have to walk away himself. He told a podcast he had put "a lot of my soul into it" and felt exhausted by the struggle to keep competing at the highest level.
- 8
- Grand Prix wins
- Perth
- Born in
- Singapore round 2024
- Career ended
- Racing Bulls
- Final team
Why it mattersA high-profile Australian athlete's honest reflection on burnout, limits, and when to let go.
AustraliaAn Australian driver's career milestone and insight into the mental toll of top-level motorsport.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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