Although Daniel Ricciardo has stepped away from the Formula 1 spotlight, the Australian’s trademark charm and playful spirit are clearly still in top gear. On the eve of the Austrian Grand Prix, the former Red Bull favourite reappeared in familiar territory, but not in an F1 car.
Instead, he was seen hitting the padel court in Spielberg, joining current F1 stars Oscar Piastri and George Russell for a friendly match. Also in attendance was professional snowboarder and fellow Australian Scotty James, adding to the light-hearted reunion atmosphere. The group’s impromptu game was captured in a photo shared by Russell on Instagram, complete with Australian and Union Jack flags to mark the occasion.
Although he is no longer on the grid, Ricciardo continues to appear in the paddock and online, proving that while his racing days may be over — or possibly paused — his flair for entertainment remains as strong as ever.
Russell shared the moment on Instagram, captioning the image with three Australian flags and a Union Jack. For Ricciardo fans, this was a rare public sighting of the Australian since his exit from the Racing Bulls team at the end of the 2024 season, following the Singapore Grand Prix. While the current F1 season continues, Ricciardo appears to be embracing a new life outside the paddock — albeit not entirely out of the spotlight.
Ricciardo’s F1 future? Not likely
Occasionally, speculation has surfaced about a possible comeback, especially with the arrival of new teams like Cadillac in 2026. However, Ricciardo has firmly ruled out any interest in returning to the grid, dashing hopes that he might find himself behind the wheel of an American-backed Formula 1 car.
Instead, the eight-time Grand Prix winner has found new ways to entertain himself — and his fans — free from the pressures of lap times and pit stops. The prospect of him rejoining F1 as a full-time driver appears to be off the table for now. Even though Ricciardo remains well-connected to the current crop of drivers, his attention seems to be focused elsewhere.
From qualifying to tailgating
In recent weeks, Ricciardo has embraced the humour and absurdity of retirement in true Australian fashion. Rather than announcing a new racing project, he has reintroduced himself to the public with a comical, tongue-in-cheek partnership with the sports betting company Dabble. The theme? Tailgating, American-style.
“You know what? It’s been a while, but I’m ready to admit it: retirement isn’t all that great,” he declared in a video blending comedy, nostalgia and salesmanship. “I could spend my days hitting golf balls, but that’s boring! I need more than just a hobby; I need a project that I’m passionate about… and then it hit me: tailgating!”
It’s a statement that only Ricciardo could make sound both ridiculous and genuinely enjoyable. Through Dabble, he’s launching a global tailgate experience centred around major sports events, starting with the NFL, and positioning himself as the ringmaster of a fan-fuelled experience focused on sports, barbecues, and social connection.
Criticism over gambling ties
Not everyone has been thrilled by Ricciardo’s new venture, however. His partnership with Dabble, a betting platform, has reignited the ongoing debate about sports figures endorsing gambling services. With increased scrutiny on the societal impact of online betting, particularly in Australia and the United States, Ricciardo’s involvement has drawn some criticism.
However, as with most things Ricciardo does, there’s a deliberate lack of solemnity. He’s approaching his “second career” with the same carefree attitude that made him a fan favourite in the first place. Whether the controversy will stick remains to be seen, but Ricciardo seems more focused on having fun than on the potential fallout.
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Ricciardo’s reappearance in Austria alongside Russell and Piastri offered a wholesome display of camaraderie, reminding us that the bonds formed in Formula 1 often outlast the contracts. Piastri, the quiet young talent now representing Australia in F1, clearly has a lot of respect for Ricciardo, even though he effectively replaced him at McLaren.
As for Russell, he and Ricciardo have maintained a surprisingly friendly relationship off the track, despite the occasional clash on it. The padel match — with snowboarder Scotty James completing the group — felt like a reunion of not just athletes, but friends catching up away from the noise of the paddock.
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James’ presence adds a familial touch to the story.
As Ricciardo’s brother-in-law, the Olympic medallist has often been seen with the Australian during the off-season and at public events. Their shared love of sport, even if they compete in very different disciplines, gives Ricciardo’s retirement a flavour of variety rather than stagnation. Whether it’s snowboarding, playing padel or building a tailgate empire, Ricciardo is making one thing clear: he’s not going to sit still.
Still in the F1 family — on his terms
Ricciardo’s brief appearance in Spielberg might not mean anything for the driver market, but it certainly means something for fans. Despite the changes in the sport, Ricciardo remains a touchstone of personality — a reminder of Formula 1’s more relaxed and humorous side that sometimes feels rare in the hyper-professionalised modern era.
He may not be suiting up for qualifying any time soon, but by showing up, laughing and playing with the next generation, Ricciardo reaffirms that his chapter in F1 — even if technically closed — still has an impact.
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What comes next?
As ever with Ricciardo, that is anyone’s guess. He could continue building his tailgate empire, turn to broadcasting, or show up at random circuits for a hit of nostalgia and a cold beer. Alternatively, he might retreat from the spotlight entirely, only emerging when it suits him.
For now, though, Daniel Ricciardo is doing what he has always done best: showing up with a grin, mixing with old friends and keeping everyone guessing. Whether on the grid or off it, he remains a presence that Formula 1 — and its fans — simply cannot ignore.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
