Daniel Ricciardo may have stepped away from full-time Formula One racing, but the Australian driver remains a familiar and popular figure in the motorsport world. Although he is no longer competing on the track, Ricciardo continues to maintain a strong public presence through various business projects and media appearances.

Since retiring from racing, Ricciardo has focused his attention on several new ventures. He currently works as an ambassador for Ford and is also involved in his own lifestyle brand, Enchante. These projects have allowed him to remain connected with fans while exploring opportunities outside the demanding world of Formula One competition.

Recently, Ricciardo appeared on Bella James’ YouTube channel, where he joined her for a casual drive and conversation. The relaxed interview gave fans a glimpse into his life after Formula One and included several personal stories about his relationships with former teammates and rivals.

The appearance also highlighted some of Ricciardo’s current business interests. During the video, there was significant attention on the large Ford Raptor vehicle they were driving, while James was also seen wearing clothing connected to Ricciardo’s Enchante brand. The combination suggested that the appearance was not only a personal interview but also a way to promote some of his major projects after racing.

During the conversation, Ricciardo was asked about his relationships with other Formula One drivers now that he no longer sees them every race weekend. Without the constant competition and travel schedule of F1 life, many drivers lose regular contact with former teammates, but Ricciardo revealed that he still maintains a close connection with some of his former rivals.

When asked which driver he communicates with most often, Ricciardo named Max Verstappen as the person he exchanges the most messages with. The pair shared a close relationship during their time together at Red Bull Racing and remained friends even after Ricciardo left the team.

Ricciardo and Verstappen were teammates for almost three seasons after Verstappen was promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull. Their partnership became one of the most entertaining teammate relationships in Formula One, with both drivers showing strong personalities while competing at the front of the grid.

Although Ricciardo eventually moved on to Renault and continued his career elsewhere, the friendship between the two drivers remained strong. Despite becoming championship rivals and following different career paths, they have continued to stay in contact away from the circuit.

Ricciardo explained that when it comes to texting, Verstappen is probably the driver he communicates with most regularly. Their conversations continue despite their busy schedules and different commitments, showing that their relationship extends beyond their years as teammates.

However, Ricciardo also joked about another former teammate who is much less reliable when it comes to replying to messages. He mentioned Lando Norris, describing the McLaren driver as someone who is not particularly good at keeping conversations going through text.

According to Ricciardo, Norris often loses interest after a few messages and simply stops responding. The comment was made in a humorous way, reflecting the friendly relationship between the two drivers rather than serious criticism.

Ricciardo and Norris were teammates at McLaren during the 2021 and 2022 Formula One seasons. Their partnership attracted significant attention because of their different personalities, with Ricciardo known for his outgoing character and Norris recognised as one of the sport’s younger talents.

Despite the difference in their communication styles, Ricciardo has always spoken positively about Norris. Their friendship has continued even after Ricciardo left McLaren, and the Australian clearly views the situation as a funny personality difference rather than a problem.

During the interview, Ricciardo also admitted that he has his own unusual communication habit. The former F1 winner joked that he frequently sends voice messages instead of typing traditional text replies.

Ricciardo laughed about his habit of sending long voice notes, admitting that it could potentially be considered a little selfish because the recipient has to spend more time listening. However, he explained that he enjoys communicating this way and finds voice messages more natural.

The revelation reflects Ricciardo’s well-known personality outside racing. Throughout his career, he has been recognised for his humour, openness, and ability to connect with people. His relaxed approach to communication appears to continue even after leaving Formula One.

While Ricciardo is no longer fighting for podiums and championships, he remains closely connected to the sport and its personalities. His friendships with current drivers such as Verstappen and Norris demonstrate the strong relationships that can develop among competitors who spend years travelling and competing together.

Formula One drivers often share unique experiences that few others can understand. The intense pressure, constant travel, and competitive environment create bonds that can remain even after drivers stop working together.

Ricciardo’s continued involvement in motorsport-related activities, combined with his business ventures, ensures that he remains an important figure within the F1 community. Fans continue to follow his activities, whether through brand projects, interviews, or appearances with other personalities.

His latest comments provide another example of why Ricciardo has remained one of Formula One’s most popular figures. Even away from the racetrack, his humour and honesty continue to attract attention.

As he moves forward with life after racing, Ricciardo appears comfortable balancing business opportunities, personal projects, and his long-standing friendships within Formula One. Although he may no longer compete every weekend, his connection to the sport and the people within it remains as strong as ever.