Daniel Ricciardo is one of the most popular and successful drivers in Formula 1 history. He has won eight races and achieved 31 podiums in his career.
He is known for his smile, overtaking skills, and honey-badger nickname.
In this article, you will know Daniel Ricciardo’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Daniel Ricciardo’s Biography
| Full Name | Daniel Joseph Ricciardo |
| Born | July 1, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Perth, Western Australia |
| Nationality | Australian/Italian |
| Age | 33 |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Current Team | Red Bull Racing (third driver) |
| Major Title | None |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
| Highest Ranking | Third (2014, 2016) |
| Relationship | Single |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Instagram ID | @danielricciardo |
| Twitter ID | @danielricciardo |
Daniel Joseph Ricciardo was born to Italian-Australian parents in Perth, Western Australia, on July 1, 1989.
His father, Giuseppe “Joe” Ricciardo, emigrated from Ficarra, Messina, to Australia at 7, while his mother, Grace Pulitanò, was born in Australia to parents from Casignana, Calabria.
Daniel has a sister named Michelle. Growing up in Duncraig, a northern suburb of Perth, Ricciardo’s earliest memories of motorsports involve watching his father race at the nearby Barbagallo Raceway in Wanneroo.
Raised Catholic, he attended Newman College for his high school education.
Ricciardo began karting at 9, joining the Tiger Kart Club (TKC) and participating in numerous karting events.
Professional Career
Early Career
Ricciardo’s journey in motorsports began with karting. In 2005, he competed in the Western Australian Formula Ford championship, finishing eighth.
He then ventured to Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway with a leased Van Diemen car but faced challenges due to the car’s age, finishing 16th and 17th and retiring in the weekend’s races.
His performance in the 2007 Formula Renault 2.0 Italia series, where he finished 6th, caught the attention of the Red Bull Junior Team and led to his selection.
Formula Three
In 2008, Ricciardo made his Formula Three debut with SG Formula’s Formula 3 Euro Series team at the Nürburgring.
Despite limited experience, he managed to qualify eighth for the first race.
His success continued as he won the Western European Cup in 2008 and the British Formula 3 championship in 2009.
Formula One Career
Ricciardo’s Formula One debut came in 2011 when he joined the HRT team as part of a deal with Red Bull Racing.
He joined Toro Rosso full-time in 2012 and was promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2014, replacing the retiring Mark Webber.
Ricciardo won his first Grand Prix in Canada that year and went on to win in Hungary and Belgium.
During his time with Red Bull, he became known for his overtaking skills and nickname, “Honey Badger,” symbolizing his fierce racing style and friendly exterior.
In 2019, Ricciardo moved to Renault and raced for them until 2020 before joining McLaren for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
His tenure at McLaren featured a notable victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, his only win with the team.
After leaving McLaren at the end of 2022, Ricciardo returned to Red Bull as their third driver for the 2023 season.
Midway through the season, he replaced Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri, marking his return to a race seat.
Throughout his career, Ricciardo has been celebrated not only for his racing prowess but also for his vibrant personality.
He is often seen on the podium with a wide grin and engaging in his trademark “Shoey” celebration.
Despite facing challenges and team changes, Ricciardo’s resilience and skill have kept him a notable figure in Formula One.
Girlfriend
Daniel Ricciardo is not married. He is in a relationship with actress Heidi Berger. They went public with their relationship in August 2022.
There have been no reports or confirmations of an engagement or marriage between Daniel Ricciardo and Heidi Berger.
Daniel Ricciardo’s Net Worth Details
Daniel Ricciardo’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million as of 2025.
Salary
Ricciardo’s salary as a Formula 1 driver has varied over the years. He was one of the highest earners in Formula 1, earning a reported $15 million per year at Renault and McLaren.
However, his salary was significantly reduced after he left McLaren and took a reserve role at Red Bull for 2023.
For the 2024 season, Ricciardo’s salary as a driver for Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri) is reported to be $2 million.
This is a substantial decrease from his previous salaries but is in line with the earnings of a driver who has transitioned from a reserve role back to a race seat mid-season.
Earnings
Ricciardo has diversified his income through various sponsorships and business ventures.
He has secured lucrative deals with brands like Optus, OKX, St. Hugo, GoPro, Beats By Dre, EA Sports, Thorne, and Save The Children.
He also launched his wine label, DR3, in partnership with St Hugo Wines and a clothing line, “Enchanté,” in 2023.
Ricciardo’s wealth is also attributed to his real estate investments, including a one-bedroom apartment in Monaco valued at $2 million and a Beverly Hills mansion in Los Angeles worth around $13 million.
His residence in Monaco, a tax haven, has likely contributed to preserving his wealth.
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Engine | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Pole Positions | Fastest Laps | Points | Average Finish | World Championship Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | HRT | Cosworth | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 27th |
| 2012 | Toro Rosso | Ferrari | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | — | 18th |
| 2013 | Toro Rosso | Ferrari | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | — | 14th |
| 2014 | Red Bull | Renault | 19 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 238 | — | 3rd |
| 2015 | Red Bull | Renault | 19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 92 | — | 8th |
| 2016 | Red Bull | TAG Heuer | 21 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 256 | — | 3rd |
| 2017 | Red Bull | TAG Heuer | 20 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 200 | — | 5th |
| 2018 | Red Bull | TAG Heuer | 21 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 170 | — | 6th |
| 2019 | Renault | Renault | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54 | — | 9th |
| 2020 | Renault | Renault | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 119 | — | 5th |
| 2021 | McLaren | Mercedes | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 115 | — | 8th |
| 2022 | McLaren | Mercedes | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | — | 11th |
| 2023 | AlphaTauri | Honda RBPT | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 17th |
| 2024 | Racing Bulls (RB) | Honda RBPT | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 16th |
FAQs
Who is Daniel Ricciardo?
Daniel Ricciardo is an Australian Formula 1 driver known for his charismatic personality, infectious smile, and daring overtakes on the track. He has become a fan favorite worldwide for his racing talent and engaging persona.
When and where was Daniel Ricciardo born?
Daniel Ricciardo was born on July 1, 1989, in Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
How did Daniel Ricciardo start his racing career?
Ricciardo began his racing career in karting at the age of nine. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his natural talent behind the wheel. After dominating the local karting scene in Australia, his family sent him to Europe to pursue a career in motorsport.
What teams have Daniel Ricciardo driven for in Formula 1?
Throughout his Formula 1 career, Ricciardo has driven for several teams. He started with HRT in 2011, moved to Toro Rosso in 2012, joined Red Bull Racing in 2014, switched to Renault in 2019, and has been with McLaren since 2021.
Has Daniel Ricciardo won any Formula 1 World Championships?
No, Daniel Ricciardo has not won a Formula 1 World Championship yet. However, he has achieved numerous race victories and consistently performs at a high level.
What is Daniel Ricciardo’s most famous celebration?
Daniel Ricciardo is known for his iconic “shoey” celebration, where he drinks champagne from his race shoe. This enthusiastic and unconventional gesture has become synonymous with his victories.
What are some of Daniel Ricciardo’s notable achievements in Formula 1?
Ricciardo’s notable achievements include winning the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix in 2018 despite having power unit issues and securing his first win with McLaren at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.
What languages does Daniel Ricciardo speak?
Daniel Ricciardo is multilingual, showcasing his ability to communicate in multiple languages, which adds to his international appeal.
What charitable causes does Daniel Ricciardo support?
Ricciardo uses his platform and success to give back to the community, supporting various causes related to children’s health and education.
What is Daniel Ricciardo’s current team and plans?
After leaving McLaren at the end of the 2022 season, Ricciardo became the third driver for Red Bull for the 2023 Formula One World Championship. He replaced Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri after the tenth round of the season, on loan from Red Bull Racing, and will continue to race for the team in the 2024 season.
