Drive to Survive Producer Says They Will Miss Ricciardo: ‘It’s Essentially the Daniel Show’

Daniel Ricciardo: A Cherished Absence from the Austin Grand Prix

For many followers of Formula 1, the upcoming Grand Prix in Austin will carry a sense of loss: Daniel Ricciardo will not be on the starting grid. The jovial Australian driver was replaced by Liam Lawson after the recent Singapore race weekend. The creators of Drive to Survive—the Netflix series that significantly boosted Ricciardo’s popularity among American audiences—will also deeply feel his absence.

A Fond Farewell from Drive to Survive Producers

In a recent discussion with Formula1.com, James Gay-Rees, a producer of Drive to Survive, reflected on the episodes he created alongside Ricciardo. Over the six seasons of the show, Ricciardo often took center stage, his unique personality and sense of humor endearing him to new fans of Formula 1. For many, he became the face of Drive to Survive and, by extension, a significant representation of the sport itself.

“I believe Daniel quickly became a favorite among viewers,” Gay-Rees remarked. “He was undeniably a fantastic asset to our show. I recently watched the trailer for season one and then revisited the very first episode. It was clearly the ‘Daniel show’ back then.” According to Gay-Rees, Ricciardo’s early participation in the series had a lot to do with its success. “While many were skeptical of the show, he embraced it wholeheartedly and dedicated ample time to us. He has such an infectious energy and is an incredibly likable guy,” he added.

Ricciardo’s Impact on Drive to Survive

In the initial seasons of Drive to Survive, the Netflix camera crew had yet to secure access to the garages of Ferrari and Mercedes; Red Bull was the .comy top team willing to collaborate, leading to Ricciardo emerging as a premier star of the series. “He just has this calm demeanor in front of the camera,” Gay-Rees explained. “Personally, I would find it daunting to be filmed, but he finds it relatively simple. His charisma shines through.”

Even when Drive to Survive gained more access to other teams, Ricciardo continued to capture attention. “He became such a vital part of our show,” the British producer continued. “In many ways, he became a cornerstone of it and still embodies that role to some degree.” Reflecting on the abrupt end to Ricciardo’s career, Gay-Rees stated, “I am certain he wouldn’t have wanted it to happen this way. It’s hard not to wonder what might have transpired had he stayed with Red Bull. Personally, I believe he had what it takes to challenge Max Verstappen.”

A Symbol of an Era Coming to a Close

“This marks the conclusion of an era,” Gay-Rees encapsulated. “I look back on our collaboration fondly. Thankfully, we now have other drivers who evoke a similar enthusiasm, although we certa.comy are not looking to replace him. His presence will be missed on personal, professional, and sporting levels.”