Daniel Ricciardo is one of the most loved F1 drivers in recent history, as the Aussie driver’s charming personality has made him a beloved figure in the paddock. But outside of his exploits in F1, what are some things that are unknown about the 35-year-old>
Despite his absence from the F1 grid, fans still adore the curly-haired Australian. He last raced for Racing Bulls in 2024, before Liam Lawson replaced him mid-season. Since then, Ricciardo hasn’t appeared around the F1 paddock. Many now presume that the former McLaren man has likely stepped away from the sport and consider him retired.
Here are 5 rare facts about Daniel Ricciardo that you did not know:
He is an appointed Member of the Order of Australia
The Australian government appointed Daniel Ricciardo a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022. This achievement is the Australian equivalent of receiving an MBE in the British Empire.
Ricciardo was given the distinction for “significant service to motor sport as a competitor and ambassador, and to the community”.
He launched his own Karting brand
The former McLaren driver has multiple investments in different sectors. One of them is his Karting line named Ricciardo Kart. The Aussie driver did this in association with birelART, featuring equipment for a range of age groups.
The brand offers a range of karts for various age groups and skill levels, including cadet karts, junior karts, and senior karts.
He collected bike models and wine corks as a child
Daniel Ricciardo once revealed that he does not collect anything anymore, but used to when he was a child. He explained that he used to collect Valentino Rossi bike models and wine corks as a kid.
“I used to collect Valentino Rossi motorbike models and when I was a kid I collected corks – yes, those things that close a wine bottle. Every time I went with my parents to a restaurant and they had a bottle of wine I took the cork. I still don’t know why I did that… it was a bit weird. [via F1.com]
Statue commemorating 2018 Monaco win
Daniel Ricciardo has a statue of himself that replicates the iconic image of him diving into the pool after his 2018 Monaco Grand Prix win. This metal statue is present at the Aussie driver’s vacation home in Dubai, UAE.
The 2018 Monaco victory was a special moment, because Ricciardo won the race while nursing an engine problem. Moreover, it was also a redemption win, after the driver had lost out on a win in the Principality due to a pit stop issue in 2016.
Ricciardo is good friends with NFL quarterback Josh Allen
Daniel Ricciardo revealed that he became good friends with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, through his agent. The former F1 driver’s agent is best friends with Allen’s agent, and this is how the pair were introduced. [via People.com]
Ricciardo has shared that the two hit it off instantly, and became good friends as a result. Allen has even attended a few F1 race weekends, supporting the Aussie driver.
