Daniel Ricciardo stunned Formula 1 fans with his wild beard after reuniting with two current F1 drivers over the weekend.
The fan favourite, who retired after losing his spot on the grid in September, remains a hugely popular figure in motorsport.
The Australian was the de facto face of Netflix sensation Drive to Survive in its early run, catapulting his popularity in America.
Ricciardo’s US profile at the time of his F1 exit was arguably second only to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
The ‘Honey Badger’ has maintained a low profile since leaving F1, only taking to social media to promote various business ventures.
However, the 35-year-old resurfaced on George Russell’s X account, having joined the Mercedes man for a game of padel.
The pair were regularly seen together in the paddock during Ricciardo’s second stint in F1, and reunited over a blank race weekend.
The two joined forces to take on two of Ricciardo’s Aussie compatriots, with one ironically being the man who replaced him.
F1 2025 championship leader Oscar Piastri, who took the eight-time grand prix winner’s seat at McLaren, was alongside Australian Olympic snowboarding star Scott James for a game of padel at the Monte Carlo International Sports complex.
Russell had his arm around Ricciardo’s shoulder, with the latter looking particularly striking for his wild array of facial hair.
The former Red Bull star boasted a clean-cut image during his rise through the F1 ranks, with a moustache added after his 2023 comeback.
Now, Ricciardo has allowed himself to grow a thick bushy beard, with one unhappy fan commenting: “George, plz tell him to shave…”
Ricciardo’s absence from the F1 paddock has been feltGetty Ricciardo reunited with Piastri and Russell for the snapX/@GeorgeRussell63View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo)
Another added: “It’s not Danny Ric before I realise that smile.”
A third agreed, saying: “It’s been a while since we saw Daniel. His beard is all bushy, but his smile is as brilliant as ever!”
Ricciardo’s return to the spotlight comes after unveiling his recent venture with gambling organisation Dabble.
“So, after I hung up the helmet, I gave the retired life a crack,” a message from the driver said on their website.
“Bit of golf, bit of gardening, caught up on sleep, you know how it goes. It was nice… for a while.
“But then I got that itch. You know? I needed to do something. I missed the buzz. The energy.”
F1 fans are more accustomed to Ricciardo looking fresher-facedGetty“And that’s when it hit me…
“It was time I chased my TRUE passion…”
Speaking in December, Red Bull boss Christian Horner told talkSPORT he can see Ricciardo returning to the sport next year.
He remains among the names linked with F1 newbies Cadillac, who will become the 11th entrant when the sport’s new regulations come in.
“There are rumours,” Horner said to talkSPORT Driving. “I wouldn’t be at all surprised.
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised even if they went for the experience of somebody like Sergio [Perez] and if he decides he wants to continue his career in Formula 1.”
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