David Coulthard pinpoints why he thinks Daniel Ricciardo never fulfilled his full Formula 1 potential

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Very few drivers have received as much fanfare as Daniel Ricciardo when it became clear he was about to lose his seat in Formula 1.

The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix was a bizarre race weekend, as everyone seemed to know that Daniel Ricciardo was about to be replaced, but no announcement was made.

Ricciardo joked that Max Verstappen owed him a present, as his fastest lap meant that the Dutchman’s fourth drivers’ championship was technically in his hands after Lando Norris’ victory.

After the race, Ricciardo spent time in his car and was emotional during his post-race interviews before Red Bull finally confirmed their decision in the break before the United States Grand Prix.

He was replaced by Liam Lawson, who just a few races later earned a promotion to Red Bull to replace Sergio Perez, before returning to Racing Bulls after two events, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping up.

It highlights the mess Red Bull’s driver situation is in, with Ricciardo one of several victims of their decision-making.

After more than 250 Grand Prix starts, 32 podiums and eight wins, David Coulthard has now explained why he thinks Ricciardo was never able to go to the next level.

READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

David Coulthard explains what impacted Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 ‘trajectory’

Coulthard was speaking on the High Performance Podcast, and the Australian driver came up in conversation.

He said: “You see some drivers who evolve well. You see others who get affected by the success, and that affects their trajectory.

“I think Daniel Ricciardo would be an example of that. One of the bright young talents that arrived in Formula 1, one of the best overtakers of his generation, always exciting to watch.

“And then just suddenly, as he left Red Bull, Renault was OK, McLaren, Lando outperformed him in both years, even though Daniel won a race.

“And then it never really worked out again at AlphaTauri. Now he’s happily retired, I assume, [a] wealthy individual. But it all felt like it was condensed into too short a period.”

Coulthard was then asked why Ricciardo couldn’t find the speed he once had and explained: “Life, you gain baggage as you go through life. If you’re poor, that’s a Tesco bag with a few clothes inside. If you’re rich, it’s a Louis Vuitton, but it all has to be carried.

“So, whether it’s a baggage of wealth or whether it’s baggage of success, or whether it’s the baggage of poverty and difficulty, it’s got to be carried to try and get to the next opportunity.

“And for some people, maybe they’re not able to let go and actually take themselves back to the moment that was the freest point, that saw their performances at the highest level.”

READ MORE: David Coulthard reveals the message he sent his ‘buddy’ Lando Norris when McLaren driver hit 2025 low point

Daniel Ricciardo’s return to Formula 1 ruled out by Cadillac for the 2026 season

Ricciardo has been very quiet since his RB exit last year, but that hasn’t stopped him from being linked with a return to the paddock.

Cadillac will make their Formula 1 debut next year, and Ricciardo’s popularity in the United States initially made him an interesting candidate.

It’s well known that the American outfit want an experienced driver, with Valtteri Bottas emerging as a prime target for Cadillac.

However, team principal Graeme Lowdon ruled out a move for Ricciardo, as Cadillac want to concentrate on drivers who are actively trying to return to F1, rather than luring someone back to the sport who isn’t that interested.

It means Ricciardo’s time in Formula 1 has almost certainly come to an end, and while he never kicked on to the next level, in a similar way to Coulthard, he still has an incredibly prestigious record to be proud of.