Daniel Ricciardo says life feels "more real" after abrupt F1 exit

Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about his adjustment to life away from the Formula 1 grid, admitting that stepping back from the intense calendar has allowed his day-to-day life to feel "a little more real."

The eight-time grand prix winner retired from F1 after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, when he was replaced at Racing Bulls by Liam Lawson.

Now, the Australian is enjoying the simple pleasures of a more settled routine outside of the paddock.

Speaking recently about this new phase in his life on Conor Daly's Speed Street podcast, Ricciardo explained: "I'm enjoying just the slower pace of life and ultimately being able to be in one place. 

"Literally just the little things. Even back home, I can actually spend a real bit of time in Australia, spend it with family, friends, all that. Just things that if you have it, you definitely take it for granted. And deep down, I always missed it. I always missed being a kid, hanging out with friends and going to birthdays.

"I would get home over Christmas, and I would always rush and try and do 100 things at once because time is limited, but when you're rushing things, it doesn't really feel real.

Daniel Ricciardo Global Ford Racing Ambassador (1)

"It's kind of like a bit of a movie. So now life feels a little more real."

While Ricciardo is enjoying the quieter things in life, he still manages to get behind the wheel of various Ford machinery as a brand ambassador for the American powerhouse. He has been seen off-roading in the Ford Raptor T1+ and was also part of the 2026 Ford launch event with Red Bull Racing.

Aside from having fun with his brand ambassadorship role, he also runs his Enchanté brand, which has just announced a collaboration with Daly for the upcoming Indianapolis 500 called the Enchanté 500.