Daniel Ricciardo is an Australian and Italian racing driver who competes in Formula One.
He has achieved eight Grand Prix victories and 32 podiums in Formula One.
Ricciardo has raced for teams like Red Bull, Renault, McLaren and AlphaTauri (now RB Formula One Team).
Known for his aggressive yet skillful driving style, he is nicknamed the ‘Honey Badger’ for his tenacity on the track.
Throughout his career, Ricciardo has shown speed, race craft and a sense of humor, often celebrated with his signature ‘Shoey’ – drinking champagne from a racing boot.
Net worth | $50 million |
Profession | Racing driver |
Date of birth | July 1, 1989 |
Nationality | Australian, Italian |
Background and early life
Ricciardo was born on July 1, 1989, in Perth, Western Australia.
His father, originally from Sicily, emigrated to Australia at a young age, seeking better opportunities.
Ricciardo began his racing journey at the age of nine in karting, swiftly progressing through various racing series.
In 2006, he entered the junior Formula BMW series, finishing third in the Asian championship.
Transitioning to Formula Renault 2.0 the following year, Ricciardo continued to climb the ranks.
His success led him to Formula Three racing in 2008, where he achieved notable victories like winning the Western European Cup and the British F3 championship in 2009.
This strong foundation paved the way for his Formula One debut in 2011 with HRT, followed by stints with Scuderia Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing, where he secured his first Grand Prix wins in Canada, Hungary and Belgium in 2014.
Ricciardo’s early life in Australia and his rapid rise through the junior racing categories laid the groundwork for his successful Formula One career.
Net worth
Ricciardo’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, as reported by various sources.
His wealth stems from his successful Formula One career, lucrative contracts with teams like Red Bull, Renault, McLaren and AlphaTauri, as well as endorsements and business ventures.
Additionally, Ricciardo has invested in properties, including a one-bedroom apartment in Monte Carlo, a mansion in Beverly Hills, and a property in Perth, Australia.
His impressive car collection includes vehicles like a McLaren 720S, an Aston Martin Valkyrie, a Porsche 918 Spyder and a Porsche GT3 RS.
Despite facing challenges in his career, such as being replaced at McLaren, Ricciardo’s net worth reflects his accomplishments both on and off the track.
Salary and contracts
Ricciardo’s salary and contracts have been significant aspects of his Formula One career.
In 2021, he signed a multi-million dollar contract with McLaren, earning an annual salary of $15 million, making him one of the joint-fourth highest-paid drivers on the grid.
This substantial figure excludes driver performance bonuses and personal sponsors.
During his time at Red Bull Racing, there were revelations about the team’s efforts to retain Ricciardo by offering him a contract matching Max Verstappen’s worth $10 million annually.
Despite Red Bull’s generous proposal and attempts to secure his future within the team, Ricciardo eventually made the surprising decision to move to Renault.
This move was unexpected and even shocked Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing.
OKX partnership
Ricciardo’s partnership with OKX, a prominent crypto exchange, involves him serving as an ambassador for the company during the 2022/23 racing season.
This major multi-year collaboration sees Ricciardo, a McLaren Racing Formula One driver and crypto trading enthusiast, teaming up with OKX to enhance the fan experience through various activities.
The partnership includes a global campaign to educate fans on cryptocurrency trading, collaborating with designers to create a special edition racing helmet and providing fans with insights into Ricciardo’s crypto trading journey.
OKX, with over 20 million users in 180 international markets, chose Ricciardo due to his passion for crypto trading and desire to learn more about the industry.
This partnership aligns with OKX’s focus on customer value, education, transparency and security.
The collaboration was announced ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, where OKX branding was featured on Ricciardo’s racing cap, marking the beginning of their official partnership.
St. Hugo collaboration
Ricciardo collaborated with St Hugo, a renowned Australian winery, to create a limited edition fine wine series known as DR3 x St Hugo.
This exclusive collection features a South Australian Shiraz and a South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon from the near-perfect 2021 vintage.
The partnership between Ricciardo and St Hugo resulted in the release of these premium wines, presented in a gift box.
The DR3 x St Hugo collaboration celebrates the third year of this fine wine series, showcasing the synergy between the Australian Formula 1 legend and the esteemed winery.
The wines from this collection offer a unique and luxurious experience for wine enthusiasts, combining Ricciardo’s passion for excellence with St Hugo’s commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
GoPro partnership
Ricciardo’s partnership with GoPro involves him serving as an ambassador for the brand.
This collaboration was announced in March 2018, welcoming Ricciardo to the GoPro family.
The deal includes various activities such as creating promotional content, featuring in GoPro ads, and participating in special projects like the Monaco F1 Track Drive: No Brakes series presented by GoPro.
Ricciardo’s association with GoPro showcases his involvement in creating engaging content and promoting the brand through his adventures and experiences both on and off the track.
The partnership highlights GoPro’s strategy of aligning with high-profile athletes like Ricciardo to enhance brand visibility and connect with a broader audience through exciting and adrenaline-fueled content.
EA Sports endorsement deal
Ricciardo has signed an endorsement deal with EA Sports for the upcoming 2023 season.
This partnership involves Ricciardo taking on a role with EA Sports, likely as an ambassador or featured personality within their Formula 1 video game series.
The collaboration with EA Sports signifies Ricciardo’s involvement in the gaming industry and his connection to virtual racing experiences.
Additionally, EA Sports has integrated Ricciardo into their F1® 22 game, offering fans the opportunity to engage with his content through challenges like the Hot Lap Challenge and virtual meet and greets.
This deal not only showcases Ricciardo’s expanding presence beyond the racetrack but also highlights his appeal to a broader audience of gamers and Formula 1 enthusiasts through interactive and engaging digital platforms.
Thorne partnership
Ricciardo’s partnership with GoPro involves him serving as an ambassador for the brand.
This collaboration was announced in March 2018, welcoming Ricciardo to the GoPro family.
The deal includes various activities such as creating promotional content, featuring in GoPro ads and participating in special projects.
Ricciardo’s association with GoPro showcases his involvement in creating engaging content and promoting the brand through his adventures and experiences both on and off the track.
The partnership highlights GoPro’s strategy of aligning with high-profile athletes like he to enhance brand visibility and connect with a broader audience through exciting and adrenaline-fueled content.
Optus
Ricciardo has a significant partnership with Optus, an Australian telecommunications company.
The deal involves a two-year commercial agreement that has been renewed for another two years.
Ricciardo’s collaboration with Optus positions him as a brand ambassador, inspiring optimism and leading the brand’s activation during events like the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
This partnership includes various branding and engagement activities during the race weekend, such as hosting a pit-lane suite at Albert Park and providing the OPTU5G VR Track Tour for fans to experience a virtual tour with Ricciardo.
Optus leverages Ricciardo’s popularity and influence to enhance its brand presence and engage with fans through integrated campaigns and advertising featuring Ricciardo and other racing personalities on prominent Australian broadcasters like Channel 10 and Foxtel.
The Optus deal not only showcases Ricciardo’s marketability but also highlights Optus’ commitment to leveraging sports partnerships for brand promotion and engagement.
RIC3 merchandise business
Ricciardo’s RIC3 company is a merchandise business that offers a range of products under his brand.
The RIC3 brand includes items like T-shirts, hoodies, hats and more, catering to fans and enthusiasts of the Formula One driver.
The merchandise is available for purchase online, providing fans with the opportunity to support Ricciardo and showcase their admiration for the Australian racing superstar.
The RIC3 brand reflects Ricciardo’s entrepreneurial endeavors beyond the racetrack, allowing him to connect with his fan base through stylish and high-quality merchandise that embodies his persona and racing legacy.
Daniel Ricciardo car collection
Ricciardo’s car collection includes a diverse range of vehicles that reflect his passion for high-performance cars.
Among his notable cars are the Toyota Hilux, a sentimental choice gifted by his parents and used on his outback farm.
The Porsche 918 Spyder, a hypercar with 875 horsepower, showcases his love for speed and luxury.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS, kept in Monaco, boasts a powerful 513bhp turbo engine. The Ford F-150 Raptor, a nostalgic purchase from his early years, currently resides with a friend in the US.
The Renault Mégane RS, a sporty hot hatch from his Renault F1 days, is known for its speed and handling.
The McLaren 765LT, a track-focused supercar acquired during his McLaren tenure, features 750 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
An Aston Martin Vantage owned during his time at Red Bull Racing remains a cool addition to his collection.
Lastly, the Aston Martin Valkyrie, an innovative hypercar ordered by Ricciardo, showcases his appreciation for high-end performance vehicles.
Real estate properties
Ricciardo owns a remarkable real estate portfolio, with luxurious properties in Perth, Monaco and Los Angeles.
In Perth, his hometown, he has a grand residence with an underground garage and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
His Monaco apartment, a common choice for F1 drivers, provides a comfortable pied-à-terre in the glamorous city of Monte Carlo.
Additionally, Ricciardo’s Beverly Hills mansion in Los Angeles, purchased for around $15 million, boasts five bedrooms, a pool, a jacuzzi and stunning ocean views.
These properties not only reflect his lavish lifestyle but also offer him serene retreats in different parts of the world, catering to his needs during the F1 season and beyond.
Early career
Ricciardo’s early career saw him progress through various racing series before entering Formula One.
He began karting at the age of nine and participated in numerous karting events.
In 2005, he competed in the Western Australian Formula Ford championship, finishing eighth.
Ricciardo then moved to Formula Renault 2.0 Italia in 2007, where he finished sixth overall before being selected by the Red Bull Junior Team.
Transitioning to Formula Three in 2008, he made his debut at the Nürburgring with SG Formula’s Formula 3 Euro Series team.
Despite limited experience, Ricciardo showcased his talent and determination on the track, setting the stage for his future success in motorsports.
Breakthrough
Ricciardo’s breakthrough in Formula One came with his impressive return to the grid with AlphaTauri during the 2023 season.
After a challenging period with McLaren, Ricciardo’s comeback saw him shine at the Hungarian Grand Prix, showcasing his potential and skill.
His success was attributed to a breakthrough in the car setup by AlphaTauri, allowing him to exploit the untapped potential of the AT04.
This breakthrough enabled Ricciardo to demonstrate consistency and confidence on the track, notably improving the stability at the front end of the car through high-speed corners.
By making strategic adjustments to the car setup and focusing on enhancing the front end performance, Ricciardo was able to drive with greater confidence and achieve impressive results, culminating in a season-best finish at the Mexican Grand Prix.
This breakthrough marked a significant turning point in Ricciardo’s career, highlighting his resilience and adaptability as a driver.
Notable races
Some of Ricciardo’s notable races include his victories in the Canadian, Hungarian and Belgian Grand Prix during his rookie year in Formula One.
These wins marked his breakthrough season, showcasing his talent and potential as a driver.
Additionally, Ricciardo’s performance in Monaco, where he secured a fifth-place finish and set the fastest lap of the race, highlighted his skill on street circuits.
Throughout his career, Ricciardo has demonstrated impressive racecraft and strategic prowess, earning him recognition for his achievements on the track.
Awards and accolades
Ricciardo has received several awards and accolades throughout his career in Formula One.
In 2015, he won the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year for his outstanding performance in his debut season with Red Bull Racing.
This award recognized his exceptional achievements, including winning three Grand Prix races in Canada, Hungary and Belgium, becoming the only non-Mercedes driver to triumph that season.
Ricciardo’s success extended to surpassing his four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel and finishing third in the drivers’ standings.
His remarkable season, marked by five podium finishes and consistent point-scoring, solidified his reputation as a rising star in Formula One.
Additionally, Ricciardo’s charismatic personality, humor, and impressive racecraft have endeared him to fans and earned him respect within the racing community.
Philanthropic efforts
Ricciardo has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting various charities and causes.
He has showcased his commitment to giving back by participating in initiatives like raffling his Grand Prix-worn race suit to raise funds for organizations such as WIRES and the Australian Red Cross.
Additionally, Ricciardo has collaborated with McLaren to showcase an Indigenous charity during the Australian Grand Prix, highlighting his dedication to supporting important causes and giving back to the community.
His involvement in charitable activities reflects his desire to make a positive impact beyond the racetrack, demonstrating a strong sense of social responsibility and generosity.
Family
Ricciardo comes from a close-knit family that has played a significant role in his life and racing career.
His parents are Joe and Grace Ricciardo, with his father, Giuseppe “Joe” Ricciardo, being a pivotal figure in his journey.
Joe, who was a budding racing driver himself, introduced Daniel to motorsport at a young age, fostering his passion for racing.
Ricciardo’s mother, Grace, also has Italian roots, adding to the family’s heritage.
Additionally, he has a sister named Michelle, who is family-oriented like him and is a mother to two children, Isabella and Isaac.
The support and sacrifices made by his family have been instrumental in Ricciardo’s success, from his early karting days to his achievements in Formula One.
Family remains a central pillar in Daniel Ricciardo’s life, providing him with unwavering support both on and off the track.