Daniel Ricciardo has revealed how he is adapting to life outside of Formula 1, transitioning from a “high-speed life” into “a little bit of stillness”.
The popular Australian was replaced by Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls after the Singapore Grand Prix last September, bringing to a close his 13-year career in the sport.
Ricciardo’s tenure in the sport saw him claim 32 podiums, three pole positions and eight Grand Prix victories, seven of which came with Red Bull.
The 36-year-old was never quite able to recapture the stellar form he enjoyed with the Milton Keynes-based squad with Renault and then McLaren.
Winding back up with the Red Bull family after rejoining its sister squad AlphaTauri [previously Toro Rosso], Ricciardo also spent time as the lead team’s reserve driver.
But he is now enjoying his time away from motor racing, telling the audience at Ray White’s Connect conference about the new pursuits he has taken up.
Sporting a thick beard, Ricciardo quipped: “Well, I haven’t been shaving my face. The beard is my comfort right now.”
“This year has been a bit of self-exploration,” he added. “I lived this crazy high-speed life for so long and this year I’ve sat into a little bit of stillness.
“I’ve had a lot of time, I’ve done some hiking. I was in Alaska a few weeks ago and didn’t get mauled by a grizzly which was a bonus.”
Ricciardo: Showing off got me to a really good place in life
Ricciardo also spoke of being on a journey of self-discovery, giving himself time to learn more about himself as a person, having spent so long immersed in the racing world.
“I’ve been trying to figure out who I am other than this race car driver,” he added.
“I’ve come to appreciate the little thing more and the meaning of the importance of family and friends.
“I’ve always been driven and that sometimes leads you to being selfish, so I’m trying to learn to be a bit more selfless and become a better listener.”
Ricciardo also reflected on his youth and revealed that he seemed to be destined for a life of motorsport.
“Childhood was great,” he said, “I was always driven to do something that scared me a bit.
“The reason I got into racing was because no one was really doing it. It was my chance to do something a little bit cooler than everyone else.
“I was just showing off, but showing off has got me to a really good place in life.”
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