Daniel Ricciardo breaks his silence on the struggles he's experienced since being axed from F1 - as he reveals why he looks NOTHING like this anymore
The former Formula One star also admitted that he was trying to become a more 'selfless' person as he adapted to life away from the glitz and glamour of Formula One.
But before the beloved Aussie superstar delved into the serious talk, in true Ricciardo fashion, the 36-year-old cracked a joke about why he was now sporting a thick beard.
'Well, I haven't been shaving my face,' the usually clean-shaven Aussie said during Ray White's Connect Conference on Monday after being pressed by Mel McLaughlin about how he's been keeping since leaving the premier racing circuit.
'The beard is my comfort right now,' he added.
'I had a fallout with my barber and then I lost my razor. It's been a tough six months.'
Ricciardo enjoyed a glittering 13-year career in Formula One. Nicknamed 'the Honey Badger', the affable Aussie raced for Red Bull, HRT, Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren and AlphaTauri, before he was axed following an indifferent run of form.
While his legion of fans around the world knew the end was coming for the Aussie cult hero, many were left shattered by Red Bull's decision to axe him.
The 36-year-old was shown the door after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, with Red Bull's advisor Helmut Marko explaining that the Aussie was no longer showing the 'killer instinct' he had displayed earlier in his racing career.
He bid farewell to what he described as a 'wild and wonderful' 13-year career, having picked up eight wins and 32 podiums across 258 race entries.
But like many athletes, stepping away from the fast-paced, rock and roll lifestyle that is professional sport, Ricciardo explained he struggled to adjust to life away from the glitz and glamour of Formula One.
'I've lived this crazy, high-speed life for so long, and I just sat into a little bit of stillness,' Ricciardo explained.
'I suddenly wasn't always surrounded by a ton of people giving their opinions and thoughts.'
After the rigours of being a professional racing driver had encompassed his life for so long, Ricciardo explained he was now doing a bit of soul searching in order to understand who he truly was, while also admitting he was learning to become more magnanimous.
Ricciardo explained he had been looking to become more 'selfless' and had 'come to appreciate the little things more' following his time in Formula One
'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.
'I've been trying to figure out who I am other than this race car driver.
'I've come to appreciate the little things 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 cut a philosophical figure as the Australian also delved into his sacking.
As yet, Ricciardo has not opened up on his plans for the future.
Speculation has arisen in the years following his departure from AlphaTauri that he may step back into racing in some capacity. However, it appears he is resigned to the fact that his time in Formula One has ended.
While he never got to become a world champion, the ever-humble Australian spoke of his pride at his achievements in the sport.
'I never thought I would have this career. I never thought I'd be here, you know? That's the truth,' he explained.
Ricciardo cut a philosophical figure as the Australian also delved into his sacking, explaiing he was grateful for the career he has had
Ricciardo was recently pictured at Wimbledon soaking up the atmosphere at the tennis
'Yes, my dream was to be world champion, and there were years along the way where I genuinely felt like it was gonna happen.
'I got close, that's OK.
'If I were a world champion sitting here today, would it change how I feel or how I view myself, or anything like that? I don't think so.
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