Quick answer: On the October 2026 episode of Formula 1's official podcast, F1 Beyond The Grid, Daniel Ricciardo said that after his final F1 race, the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, he put on a brave face in public while "hiding from what I really felt deep inside, which was a lot of pain and sadness." Two years on, he says he looks back "with much more of a smile" and is proud of his career.
Source episode: "Daniel Ricciardo: Refinding Myself After F1," F1 Beyond The Grid, watch the full episode.
Who is Daniel Ricciardo?
Daniel Ricciardo is an Australian racing driver who raced in Formula 1 from 2011, when he made a mid-season debut with HRT, to 2024. Formula1.com credits him with eight Grand Prix wins and a further 24 podiums, and says he was known for an aggressive, late-braking driving style and an infectious personality. The former Red Bull and McLaren driver finished his career with Racing Bulls and left the sport right after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, following a frustrating season (Formula1.com).
What Ricciardo said on Beyond The Grid
Ricciardo explained how a racing career turns inward: "You start racing at such a young age and over the years you build a ruthlessness, but that also is inward as well. You know, you can be very harsh on yourself and expect a lot from yourself" (Formula1.com).
He said he saw his last stretch as "failing, not performing to the level I needed to at the time," which brought "a sense of humiliation, like I failed and I didn't do what I once could." Of the months that followed, he said: "I understood it as I was just hiding from the humiliation."
Then came the line from the Short: "People saw me out in public. I was having a good time and having a drink or whatever, and I was just really hiding from what I really felt deep inside, which was a lot of pain and sadness" (Formula1.com; also reported by Autoweek).
From hurt to pride
Ricciardo described his recovery in phases. First came "just thinking everything was okay but I was very hurt inside." He said he then "went through a phase of some sadness and growth and rebuilding," and now feels relief, with "more time with family, and rebuilding a lot of friendships that may have drifted" (Autoweek).
He is candid that the ending still stings: "I still don't like how it ended, but there's also a part of me which is grateful that they pulled the trigger because I wouldn't want to be doing it now." And: "I look back now with much more of a smile than I did a couple years ago. I am definitely proud" (Formula1.com).
Why it resonates
Athletes rarely describe the quiet after a career ends this openly. Ricciardo's account of a public smile hiding private hurt will be familiar to many fans, and he frames it as something he worked through rather than something that defines him.
FAQ
When was Daniel Ricciardo's last F1 race? The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, driving for Racing Bulls.
What podcast did Ricciardo talk about his F1 exit on? F1 Beyond The Grid, Formula 1's official podcast, in an episode released in late October 2026.
How many F1 races did Daniel Ricciardo win? Eight Grand Prix victories, plus 24 more podiums, according to Formula1.com.
Does Ricciardo regret how his F1 career ended? He said he still doesn't like how it ended, but he is partly grateful for the decision and now proud of his career.