Ricciardo NASCAR Adventures: Daniel Ricciardo, the F1 maverick, is a maestro at adding flair to the motorsport scene, delving beyond the realm of Formula 1. An avid NFL enthusiast and a vocal admirer of NASCAR, Ricciardo’s dalliance with American stock car racing isn’t new. Two years ago, he carved an indelible memory by driving Dale Earnhardt’s revered 1984 NASCAR championship car. And it seems the Aussie’s intrigue with stock car racing was reignited at the highly anticipated Las Vegas GP.
This time, the buzz circles around a helmet swap with Conor Daly, marking a fresh chapter in Ricciardo’s enduring affinity for American stock car racing.
Back in October 2021, Daniel Ricciardo maneuvered Dale Earnhardt’s 1984 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo around the Circuit of the Americas. A bet between McLaren’s Zak Brown and the Honey Badger, triggered by Ricciardo’s Monza victory, earned him this unique drive. Sporting the iconic number 3 as a tribute to Earnhardt, Ricciardo’s NASCAR fascination took a new turn in Las Vegas.
Engaging in a helmet exchange with Conor Daly, a versatile driver spanning IndyCar and occasional forays into NASCAR, added a personal touch to their motorsport camaraderie. Daly’s Instagram post reflected their bond, exemplifying the mutual respect between drivers from diverse racing disciplines.
“The collection grows stronger after this weekend! @danielricciardo is one of the all-around good dudes of the sport. Countless good times have been had over the years. Cheers my friend ?? #f1 #lasvegasgp #helmet #trade #indycar,” shared Daly. It encapsulates their shared passion beyond the racetrack boundaries.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a highly anticipated fixture on the F1 calendar, drew flak from several quarters, including 2023 driver’s champion Max Verstappen. However, Ricciardo, the ‘Honey Badger,’ took a subtle jab at his former Red Bull teammate.
Throughout the race weekend, the 26-year-old Red Bull luminary critiqued the track layout and scrutinized the driver’s ceremony, branding the event 1% sporting and 99% entertainment.
Yet, amid Max Verstappen‘s dissent, Ricciardo, renowned for his easy-going demeanor, subtly contested the dissenting voices. He hinted that certain drivers, initially enamored by the event, are now airing critiques as a form of rebellion.
“Some drivers have been a bit ‘whatever’ about it,” quipped the Aussie to the NY Post. “I think they’re just trying to rebel. Deep down, they really like it, they just don’t want to admit it.” In a playful nod, he referenced a driver with a “really long first name,” playfully leaving fans to connect the dots.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Daniel Ricciardo Racing in 2024?
AlphaTauri has announced its race line-up for 2024, with Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo set to take the wheel. Liam Lawson will serve as the reserve driver for both AlphaTauri and Red Bull. This exciting team of drivers is sure to bring their unique skills and talents to the track, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve together.
Why is Daniel Ricciardo not racing anymore?
Following a recent surgery that required screws and a plate, Ricciardo was unable to participate in the last race in Italy. However, he has been given the assurance that his seat at AlphaTauri will be waiting for him once he recovers. His ultimate goal is to secure a contract for next year and eventually make a return to Red Bull in 2025. Despite the setback, Ricciardo remains determined to achieve his goals and make a successful comeback.
Why is Daniel Ricciardo called the honey badger?
With his competitors relishing the idea of intimidating him on the race track, Ricciardo chose to channel the fierce spirit of the honey badger. The Australian driver sported a happy and confident smile as he embodied the tenacity and aggression of the animal in his approach to racing.
What happened to Daniel Ricciardo Italian Grand Prix?
Australian drivers Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo experienced early crashes during the second practice for the Dutch Grand Prix. Unfortunately, Ricciardo’s broken hand required surgery, causing him to miss the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
