Daniel Ricciardo: A Netflix Star Bids Farewell

Ricciardo’s exit leaves a lasting impact on Netflix’s Drive to Survive, where he became a fan favorite.

He was one of the most popular F1 drivers… However, Daniel Ricciardo won’t be on the starting grid at the next GP in Austin and may never race full-time in F1 again.

Many people knew the Australian for his smile, but the general public, particularly in the U.S. (where Ricciardo was very popular), also came to know him through Netflix’s show Drive to Survive.

“I think Daniel immediately became everyone’s favorite,” recalls James Gay-Rees, the show’s executive producer. “He was an incredible part of the series, there’s no doubt about that.”

“I recently rewatched the season 1 launch video. I hadn’t probably seen it since we made it, which was a long time ago. Then I watched a bit of the first episode, and of course, it was Danny’s show!”

“Ricciardo quickly embraced the concept of the series, at a time when many drivers weren’t yet convinced,” Gay-Rees continues, perhaps taking a jab at Max Verstappen.

“He’s had a contagious energy from the start, and he’s an extremely likeable guy.”

When the cameras started rolling, following Ricciardo on the circuits, at his home in Monaco, or with his family in Australia, the production team knew they had found a key asset.

“Daniel is very comfortable in front of a camera, isn’t he?”

“He’s very laid-back, doesn’t overthink, he’s charismatic, and just a very pleasant person. I don’t think he had any trouble being filmed.”

“If you’re Daniel Ricciardo, it’s quite simple – you just stay yourself, and it works.”

“He was the right guy at the right time.”

“Daniel became a big part of the show. He was a pillar, and in some ways, he still is.”

Since that first season, Ricciardo’s career has had many ups and downs. After leaving Red Bull for Renault, he lost his way at McLaren F1, before being replaced by Oscar Piastri. And again, despite a comeback with RB F1, Ricciardo has recently been sidelined mid-season to make way for Liam Lawson.

“I’m sure it’s not how he wanted things to go, and it’s hard not to wonder what would have happened if he had stayed at Red Bull [instead of moving to Renault],” Gay-Rees reflects.

“It would have been interesting to see, because he was very competitive in that car and winning races. I think he would have given Max a real challenge. But who knows?”

With eight wins, 32 podiums, and over 250 F1 starts, Ricciardo will still leave a lasting mark on the sport.

“It’s the end of an era, isn’t it?” concludes Gay-Rees. “It was really a happy partnership. We have that with several drivers now, which is great. We’re not looking to replace him. We’ll miss him personally, professionally, and in the sport, but nothing lasts forever – for any of us!”

“If it’s the end, it’s sad. We’ll be sad to lose him and what he represented, just as we were sad to lose Guenther Steiner in some ways. But he’s a young man, he still has plenty of time ahead of him. Who knows where it will lead? I’m sure he’ll have a rich life full of stories to tell.”

“He’ll be around in some way… I wouldn’t hesitate to trade places with Danny Ric in the future – he’s going to have a great time!”