BREAKING:Daniel Ricciardo reunited with Oscar Piastri,… read more 

Daniel Ricciard has recently resurfaced in the Formula 1 spotlight, despite being absent from the grid since his dismissal by the Racing Bulls team following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. The veteran Australian driver has maintained a relatively low profile since his departure, but made a surprise appearance over the weekend, reuniting with fellow drivers Oscar Piastri and George Russell.

The trio, along with Australian snowboarder Scotty James, were featured in a light-hearted Instagram post shared by Russell. The image, showcasing the four sportsmen together, was simply captioned with three Australian flags and the Union Jack, highlighting the blend of nationalities and their camaraderie. Ricciardo’s appearance in the post sparked interest among fans, who have long speculated about his next move following his F1 exit.

Despite the renewed attention, Ricciardo has firmly shut down any rumors of a potential return to Formula 1. He has dismissed speculation linking him to the upcoming Cadillac F1 team project, indicating he is not interested in making a comeback to the sport. His current stance seems to reflect a contentment with life outside of racing, albeit not without some humor and flair.

Over the past week, Ricciardo has made headlines not for a racing comeback, but for embracing his post-F1 life with a playful twist. Partnering with sports betting company Dabble, Ricciardo launched a humorous promotional campaign centered around a fictional “tailgate” service. The campaign is part of a global competition and showcases Ricciardo’s trademark charisma and ability to engage fans even when he’s off the track.

In a tongue-in-cheek video for the promotion, Ricciardo joked about the realities of retirement. “You know what, it’s been a while, but I’m ready to say it – retirement ain’t what it’s cracked up to be,” he said. “I could smack golf balls around all day, but man, what a snooze fest. I need more than just a hobby, I need a passion project … then it came to me – tailgate.” The light-hearted project reflects Ricciardo’s enduring appeal as an entertainer and personality, even beyond his racing career.

Meanwhile, his compatriots Oscar Piastri and George Russell are enjoying some of the best form of their careers. Piastri currently leads the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings, holding a 22-point lead over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Russell, on the other hand, claimed a significant victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, returning to the top step of the podium with a strong performance.

While Ricciardo may have stepped away from racing, his presence remains felt in the F1 world—whether through friendships, humor, or his enduring popularity with fans.