Formula 1 2025: Daniel Ricciardo reunited with F1 drivers Oscar Piastri and George Russell in padel picture

Daniel Ricciardo has largely kept a low profile since his exit from the F1 grid, but fans have been sent into a frenzy over a social media pic of the Aussie favourite alongside championship leader Oscar Piastri.

Daniel Ricciardo has been reunited with two Formula 1 drivers, including fellow Australian Oscar Piastri, for a spot of padel ball in a rare post-racing sighting.

The eight-time grand prix bobbed up in an image posted on George Russell’s Instagram account posing alongside the Mercedes star, McLaren’s championship leader Piastri and Australian snowboard ace Scotty James.

Russell posted the image with a simple caption of three Australian flags and one Union Jack.

Ricciardo and James are holding padels in the photo, which appears to have been taken in Monte Carlo.

Piastri also shared the image to his Instagram stories.

Ricciardo cut a relaxed figure in the photo, sporting a thick post-racing beard.

The image sent Ricciardo fans into a frenzy on social media with many thanking Russell for delivering “Danny content”.

The Australian fan favourite has largely kept a low profile since he made his exit from the Formula 1 grid after last year’s Singapore Grand Prix.

It was a difficult final campaign for Ricciardo for Red Bull’s sister team RB with swirling speculation about his future before he was replaced by Liam Lawson.

Daniel Ricciardo after his exit from the Formula 1 grid following last year’s Singapore Grand Prix. Picture: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

There has been no suggestion from Ricciardo he has any intention of pushing for an F1 return, or in any other racing category.

Ricciardo last week poked fun at his Formula 1 retirement in a social media campaign in partnership with sports betting company Dabble to launch his own fan “tailgate service” as part of a global competition.

“You know what, it’s been a while, but I’m ready to say it – retirement ain’t what it’s cracked up to be,” Ricciardo said.

“I could smack golf balls around all day, but man, what a snooze fest.

“I need more than just a hobby, I need a passion project … then it came to me – tailgate.”

While Ricciardo enjoys his new life away from the track, Piastri is in the thick of the fight for the world championship, holding a 22-point lead over teammate Lando Norris in the driver standings.

Originally published as Formula 1 2025: Daniel Ricciardo reunited with F1 drivers Oscar Piastri and George Russell in padel picture