Formula for success: 2023 is Dan Ricciardo's year
F1 star Daniel Ricciardo stepped out of the hot seat this year to become a reserve driver for Red Bull. But as he explains to Esquire, the time and space the move has afforded him could be the key to his success down the track.

DURING THE THRILLING CLIMAX to this yearâs Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix, there was a moment when Daniel Ricciardo turned away from the dramatic scenes unfolding before him and gave the camera his signature, continent-splitting smile. Maybe Ricciardo wished he was out there on the track. Perhaps he was contemplating what he would do if faced with the multiple pile-ups and repeated restarts that will ensure the Albert Park race lives long in the memories of F1 fans. But in that moment, as a reserve (third) driver, he was a spectator like the rest of us. So, the smile. You couldnât help but grin back at the screen.
Thatâs the effect Ricciardo and his smile invariably invoke, something the producers of Netflixâs smash-hit reality series Drive To Survive, shrewdly capitalised on. Heâs now one of the sportâs most marketable stars, with a stable of sponsors and a slew of celeb stans (hello Anne Hathaway).
But a lot has changed for the 34-year-old since we last spoke to him at this year’s Melbourne Grand Prix. Most notably, he’s heading back to the Formula 1 paddock this coming week, signing an exclusive deal with AlphaTauri to pilot its AT04 for the remainder of the 2023 season.
There’s no doubt the short-term gig will prove difficult; AlphaTauri are currently placed 17th and 20th (last) respectively, with drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck de Vries â whom Ricciardo is replacing â having faced many obstacles with the AT04 car this year, notably its limitation in late entry phase to corners, which triggers rear instability.
But Ricciardo being Ricciardo is optimistic, and Esquire’s chat with him earlier this year is still as relevant as ever. 2023 has been a year on the sidelines for Ricciardo to refresh himself mentally and let his motivation bubble up within. âMy goal for the year is to naturally let things come to me, that hunger, that urge, that desire,â Ricciardo told Esquire in Melbourne back in April. âI just want to naturally find answers. Already, Iâve learned a lot and I know some things where, if I were to be racing again next year, I would do a little differently. I wouldnât have that perspective if I was still in a race car.â
Heâs right, he wouldnât. Stepping away is often a precursor to stepping forward. No wonder heâs smiling.

Esquire: How does it feel to be back in the fold at Red Bull?
Daniel Ricciardo: I would sum it up as better than expected. When I get dressed in the morning, I put the shirt on and look in the mirror, it just makes me feel a little bit nostalgic. I donât regret anything Iâve done in the past. I think everything happens for a reason and Iâve lived and learned and grown through it, but Iâm really, really appreciative to be back in this family.
ESQ: Are there any major changes youâve noticed in your time away?
DR: The biggest thing was when I went to the factory to do some sim [simulator training]. I did a tour as well and I was just like, jaw on the floor. The infrastructure has grown so much. Iâm like, How has this happened in four years? Itâs no coincidence theyâre now at the front. Theyâve done a lot and pushed a lot; itâs a ruthless pursuit to [get to] the front and theyâve done it.
ESQ: Theyâve always been renowned for being the most innovative team, right?
DR: Yeah, when I was here the team always had that winning mindset. Theyâve always been a group of hungry individuals. But now I feel itâs hit another level.
ESQ: What are you most excited about this season?
DR: On track, obviously Red Bull started the season killing it. So Iâm excited to see how the other teams fare with that and whoâs going to be able to close the gap fastest. Everyoneâs talking about Vegas. Thatâs gonna be an absolutely mammoth event. I think itâs going to elevate the sport to another level.
ESQ: Are you inspired by the impact Fernando Alonso is having this year?
DR: Yeah. I remember doing an interview when I was 27 and a race hadnât gone well and I was a bit frustrated and I was saying, Iâm starting to get old, timeâs slipping away. I donât feel like that anymore. Watching the likes of Alonso do what heâs doing at his age, itâs like, if you want it, youâll find a way to pull it off and perform. Thatâs why I know, if the heartâs there, I can get back to the front.
ESQ: How do you manage the pressure of being a Formula 1 driver?
DR: I think one thing Iâve got a lot better at over the years is reading, or rather, not reading. Iâm not even talking about negative points of view. Even positive articles can make your head get too big or you can start thinking youâre too cool for school. Itâs about making sure you have your priorities right. I have my small group of people or my family around me, who are going to tell me right from wrong and, if Iâm not seeing it, keep it real. So, having the discipline not to read stuff has helped me have a clearer mind. And feel a bit more comfortable with myself.
ESQ: Does that extend to social media?
DR: Yeah, all that stuff. And look, itâs part of it and weâre always going to be doing interviews and media. Iâm going to post things and some people will like it, maybe some donât, but itâs fine. You kind of have to build that one-way system where you just canât afford to get locked into or it becomes a rabbit hole. Keeping your mindset clear also involves having hobbies outside of racing. Having little trips that Iâll plan with friends through the year takes the load off. Doing things that a normal person would do. That helps keep me balanced through all this.

ESQ: We were speaking to Mark Webber yesterday and he said he doesnât miss driving, but misses the community. Can you relate to that?
DR: Yeah, not the actual process. Itâs interesting. Itâs hard at times when itâs not going well to find the enjoyment, because there are so many other externals and then when the driving part doesnât go well, itâs like, Damn, that was a heavy weekend. Iâm knackered and I donât really have much to show for it. But itâs just part of the beast now.
ESQ: Thereâs a big crossover between watches and motor sports. Would you consider yourself a watch enthusiast?
DR: Yeah. My dad was always into them and he would make the crossover. Heâs like, âSon, trust me. One day youâll mature and youâll understand why I love watchesâ. Heâs like, âItâs in your blood. You love cars, you love the motor, the mechanics, you will find a love for watches as wellâ. Around 24 it just clicked and I was like, Oh, I get it. Obviously theyâre a fashion piece, but I really appreciate the work behind them as well.
ESQ: Youâve built one of the most powerful personal brands of any Aussie athlete. What do you like about TAG Heuer and their watches?
DR: I think about the history of motorsport with TAG Heuer. It goes back to [Ayrton] Senna. He was a hero growing up and thereâs a strong association there with TAG Heuer and Senna. Also one of the first watches I saw my dad wearing was a TAG Heuer, so itâs always been there. Itâs genuine.
A version of this story featured in the inaugural Esquire Australia issue.
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