Daniel Ricciardo was one of Formula 1’s poster boys when it launched its hit Netflix series, Drive to Survive, in 2019. The Aussie is one of the grid’s larger-than-life characters, with an infectious smile and witty sense of humor.
The 34-year-old left F1 at the end of the 2022 season, departing McLaren following a failed stint of filled with frustration. However, Ricciardo’s time away from F1 didn’t last long, as he re-joined Red Bull to be their reserve driver, before being put in the AlphaTauri following the mid-season sacking of Nyck de Vries.
Fans are thrilled to see Ricciardo back on the grid and he has already been confirmed for 2024 at Red Bull’s sister team. The popular man isn’t shy of fan encounters with some confessing to having a crush on him. While others take the opportunity to consult Ricciardo on their crush choices elsewhere on the grid.
“I find that they’re certainly not shy to say, ‘I have a crush on you’,” Ricciardo revealed ahead of next weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, while on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. “Or they will let me know what driver they do have a crush on!”
He added on whether fans expect him to tell drivers of fans’ crushes: “Pretty much! I think they want to know if that’s a good choice or not, so thumbs up or like: ‘Hmm, no.’”
Drive to Survive is five seasons deep and a sixth season is in production. Ricciardo has, however, said some Netflix Drive to Survive fanatics struggle to separate what’s real and what was for show. He said: “It’s funny because a lot of the time now people will come up to me and say: ‘You were great in the show.’
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“So my reaction is: do they know I race or do they think I’m an actor? I look at them like ‘thanks’ but I’m kinda second guessing: do they actually know what I do? It’s funny, but it’s really blown up. I try to remind them but I think it goes over their head.”
Ricciardo has competed in five races since returning to F1 but would have more under his belt had he not broken his left hand during practice for the Dutch Grand Prix. The Honey Badger has managed a points finish, crossing the line in seventh in the Mexican GP, earning six F1 championship points. Ricciardo was hoping for a speedy recovery but has admitted it was tougher than he thought.
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