During a candid interview, Ricciardo opened up about his future in F1, admitting that he has been considering stepping away from the sport sooner than fans might have anticipated. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my life beyond F1,” Ricciardo said. “This sport has given me so much, but there’s more I want to explore, and I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be here.”

The revelation comes at a time when Ricciardo has been facing a challenging period in his career. After a rollercoaster stint with McLaren and a return to the grid with AlphaTauri, the results haven’t always matched his ambitions, leading to speculation about his long-term future in the sport. Despite his undeniable talent and popularity, Ricciardo’s recent struggles have only fueled rumors that he might be ready to move on to new ventures.

Ricciardo hinted that his exit plan could involve pursuing interests outside of racing. “There’s a lot I’m passionate about—things like music, film, and even other forms of motorsport,” he explained. “I want to explore those passions while I still have the energy and time. F1 is intense, and while I love it, I also want to live a fuller life.”

The possibility of Ricciardo leaving F1 has left fans and pundits alike in disbelief. Known for his charismatic presence and skill on the track, Ricciardo has been a beloved figure in the sport, and the thought of him stepping away is difficult for many to accept.

However, Ricciardo also reassured fans that he is not planning an immediate departure. “I’m still committed to giving my best this season, and nothing is set in stone yet. But I want to be honest with everyone—I’m considering all my options for the future.”

As the F1 world reacts to this bombshell news, questions remain about how Ricciardo’s potential exit could impact the sport. Will he retire from F1 completely, or could he take on a different role within the motorsport world? Whatever his decision, Ricciardo’s legacy in F1 is already secure, and his next move will be eagerly anticipated by fans around the globe.