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Introduction to Ricciardo F1 Models

Daniel Ricciardo is an Australian Formula One driver who currently drives for the McLaren team. He made his F1 debut in 2011 with HRT and has since competed for Toro Rosso, Red Bull Racing, and Renault before joining McLaren in 2021 and then backj to Red Bull in 2023 as a reserve driver.

Early Career

Ricciardo's early F1 career was spent driving for the lower midfield teams, HRT and Toro Rosso. He moved to Red Bull Racing in 2014, where he achieved his first three Grand Prix wins.

Red Bull Racing

Ricciardo's time at Red Bull Racing was his most successful period in F1. He won seven races and achieved 29 podiums during his five-year stint with the team. He finished third in the drivers' championship in 2014, 2016, and 2018.

Renault

Ricciardo joined the Renault team in 2019, hoping to help the team bridge the gap to the top three teams. However, the team struggled with consistency, and Ricciardo's best result was two fourth-place finishes. He finished ninth in the drivers' championship that year and fifth in 2020.

McLaren

Ricciardo joined McLaren for the 2021 season, partnering with young British driver Lando Norris. .

The Honey Badger

Ricciardo's nickname is "The Honey Badger," which he adopted during his time at Red Bull Racing. The nickname came from the Australian animal known for its ferocity and fearlessness. Overall, Ricciardo's charismatic personality and impressive skills on the track have made him a fan favourite and a force to be reckoned with in the F1 world. From his early days in the Red Bull Racing junior program to his current position at McLaren, he has consistently demonstrated his talent and determination to succeed. His victory at the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix, where he managed to hold off Sebastian Vettel despite having engine issues, is considered one of the greatest drives in recent F1 history. He also holds the record for most overtakes in a single F1 season, with 43 in 2016. Another factor contributing to Ricciardo's popularity is his unique personality and sense of humour. He is known for his "shoey" celebration, where he drinks champagne out of his racing shoe on the podium, and for his infectious smile and positive attitude. Ricciardo's popularity is not limited to Australia and Europe; he also has a significant following in the United States. In fact, he was voted the third most popular driver in the US in 2019, behind only Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Part of the reason for his popularity in the US may be due to his association with the country's most popular racing series, NASCAR. In 2019, Ricciardo participated in a NASCAR race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he drove Jimmie Johnson's no. 48 car and finished in 10th place. Ricciardo's nickname, "The Honey Badger," is another aspect of his personality that has helped to endear him to fans. The nickname originated from a YouTube video featuring the animal, which is known for its tenacity and fearlessness. On the track, many fans and experts consider Ricciardo to be one of the fastest drivers in F1. His aggressive overtaking style and ability to drive consistently at a high level have earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor. Despite his success, Ricciardo remains humble and grounded. He has stated that he never forgets the hard work and sacrifices that have brought him to where he is today, and he remains focused on achieving even greater success in the future. Overall, Daniel Ricciardo's career in F1 has been marked by consistent excellence, impressive victories, and a magnetic personality that has captured the hearts of fans around the world. Whether he is racing for Red Bull, Renault, or McLaren, he is always a contender for the podium and a joy to watch on the track.

Records and Milestones

• Ricciardo has won 7 Grand Prix races
• He has achieved 31 podium finishes
• His highest championship finish is third place, which he achieved in 2014, 2016, and 2018
• Ricciardo has set the fastest lap in a race on six occasions

Daniel Ricciardo's Performance in the Drivers' Championship (2011-2022)

Year	Team Name	The Car Model	Points	Position
2011	HRT	F111	0	27
2012	Toro Rosso	STR7	10	18
2013	Toro Rosso	STR8	20	14
2014	Red Bull Racing	RB10	238	3
2015	Red Bull Racing	RB11	92	8
2016	Red Bull Racing	RB12	256	3
2017	Red Bull Racing	RB13	200	5
2018	Red Bull Racing	RB14	170	6
2019	Renault	RS19	54	9
2020	Renault	RS20	119	5
2021	McLaren	MCL35M	115	8
2022	McLaren	MCL37	37	11