Ash Barty, Daniel Ricciardo lose jobs as social update exposes truth

A simple social media update has exposed the truth as Daniel Ricciardo and Ash Barty were quietly released.

Daniel Ricciardo and Ash Barty have lost their jobs as Optus ambassadors.

The telco giant quietly made the move this year after using the two widely-adored athletes as the face of the company during its recent turbulence.

It appears even using two of the country’s most popular figures hasn’t been enough to cover for the fundamental issues that have plagued the telecommunications organisation.

Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

Ricciardo has been particularly synonymous with the brand after taking up a marketing position as Optus’ Chief of Optimism.

The role included fronting several campaigns for the brand and featuring in viral stunts, including last year’s gimmick of the Formula 1 star going undercover as a storefront Optus employee.

Ricciardo and Optus have worked together for four years, but the partnership will not be progressing, as exposed in changes to the former Red Bull driver’s LinkedIn profile which no longer mentions his ties with the company.

Barty was also on the Optus payroll as the so-called Chief of Inspiration for the past two years.

Ash Barty and Daniel Ricciardo.

MORE: 8 things you didn’t know you could be fired for

Their separation comes after Optus’ former chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin was replaced by Stephen Rue in September.

Optus confirmed the parting of ways with a brief message first issued to The Australian Financial Review.

“The decision was taken as we looked to rebuild customer trust and focus on the fundamentals that we know are important to them – a resilient network, great value products and services, and simple, efficient customer service,” an Optus spokesperson said.

Ricciardo is heading into the unknown in 2025.

Having been cut by Red Bull’s junior team VCARB earlier this year, the 35-year-old has been linked with many new jobs that will keep him on the track.

Right now he is without a seat for next year and is coming off one of the hardest years of his career where he was out-performed by his former teammate Yuki Tsunoda and replaced by Kiwi Liam Lawson.

It’s why The Australian Financial Review’s Myriam Robin described Optus’ move as a “one-two kick in the guts for Daniel”.

It emerged this week the axed F1 driver has been enjoying the unemployed life but still has plenty of options on the table.

F1’s loss could be another category’s gain with the Aussie’s marketability and global recognition making him a prime target for the right team.

While some have suggested the veteran could be a target for the new Cadillac team set to join the F1 grid in 2026 due to Ricciardo’s popularity in the US, his future has still not been publicly decided.

Daniel Ricciardo poses for a photo with Ashleigh Barty at the Aussie Grand Prix Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images.

MORE:Can I be fired for that?

Which makes the latest rumblings out of Toyota all the more intriguing.

Toyota are not on the F1 grid as a stand-alone team but have been in the past.

Toyota Gazoo Racing was announced as a technical partner for the Haas F1 Team as of October and will provide design, technical and manufacturing services.

However, Toyota has strong motorsport roots around the world, featuring in NASCAR and, as of 2026, will join Australia’s Supercars Championship with its GR Supra.

Race.news reported last week that the company was prepared to make a “whatever it takes” bid to lure Ricciardo out of retirement.

Believed to potentially be a $10m offer, similar to what he was reportedly earning at VCARB this season, it’s been described as a “blank cheque operation”.

Barty, meanwhile, is sadly loving her life in retirement.

The three-time grand slam champion retired in the prime of her career aged 25 and is loving life as a mum.

The Aussie tennis champion and husband Garry Kissick, welcomed their first child, Hayden, in July 2023.

Australia would dearly love to see both of them back in action.