Coulthard advises Ricciardo against ‘risky’ move to another racing class

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard has advised Daniel Ricciardo to carefully reconsider any potential move to a different racing series. .comess the Australian significantly dominates a category, such as the Australian V8 Supercars or American IndyCar, Coulthard warns that Ricciardo could suffer serious damage to his reputation.

Considering a Career Shift

Following the Singapore Grand Prix, it was announced that Ricciardo would no longer race for Visa RB in Austin. The affable Australian is immediately replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson, which means Ricciardo must now seek a new opportunity. He has already received an offer from the CEO of V8 Supercars to compete in their series.

Coulthard, however, is cautious about Ricciardo making a leap into another motorsport division. “The risk of switching series is that, .comess you consistently perform at an elite level—which is quite a challenge—you might fade into the background and lose the thrill of being an ex-Grand Prix driver,” the Scotsman shared on his Formula For Success podcast.

Opportunities in the Media Landscape

Coulthard also perceives where Ricciardo might thrive outside of the racing circuit. “He has the potential to be an asset from a media standpoint, engaging in promotional activities and exploring various commercial opportunities. However, it’s possible he has other aspirations in mind,” he explained. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has indicated that Ricciardo’s previous employer remains open to a renewed partnership with the Aussie driver.

The Future of Ricciardo

As Ricciardo weighs his options, there remains a feeling in the motorsport community that racing fans are not ready to say goodbye to the Perth native just yet. “In today’s era of Netflix and a significantly broader social following than previous generations, exiting the sport doesn’t necessarily mean he is gone for good. There will be plenty of opportunities for him ahead,” Coulthard remarked.

Sustaining the Racing Legacy

For Ricciardo, transitioning to a new racing environment could provide unique challenges as he strives to maintain his legacy. The decision to switch to a different series should be weighed against the potential impact on his brand as a driver who once competed at the highest level of motorsport.

Ultimately, every choice Ricciardo makes will contribute to how he is perceived in the racing world and the broader sports community. His journey—whether it leads to a new beginning in V8 Supercars or possibly back with Red Bull—will certa.comy be one eagerly followed by fans globally. Racing is not merely a profession; it’s also a narrative, and Ricciardo’s story is far from over.