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Daniel Ricciardo’s Journey on Drive to Survive Comes Full Circle

Daniel Ricciardo, a charismatic figure in Formula 1, first captured audiences in the inaugural episode of Drive to Survive, which aired to great acclaim during the pandemic. With his charming personality, he quickly became a favorite, showcasing a rollercoaster career filled with potential, setbacks, and dramatic changes in teams. However, recent developments have left Ricciardo without a seat in F1 following his unexpected departure from Red Bull Racing before the U.S. Grand Prix last season.

As the seventh season of Drive to Survive prepares to debut on Netflix on March 7, the producers grapple with Ricciardo’s unanticipated exit, similar to the challenges faced by Red Bull during the previous year. “The Netflix story isn’t working,” acknowledges Helmut Marko during a significant episode that highlights Ricciardo’s diminishing role in the sport. The narrative had initially centered around a triumphant return to Red Bull, but reality instead reflected a different path.

Throughout the episode, there’s a palpable tension as the production team hopes for Ricciardo’s resurgence. He openly expresses his desire to team up with Max Verstappen again and rekindle the excitement of his earlier career. Yet, as he himself notes, achieving this ambition requires actionable steps rather than mere contemplation. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s principal, emphasizes the extremes of Ricciardo’s situation, indicating that he could either reclaim a position at Red Bull or face obscurity away from racing.

The episode also features Ricciardo meeting with Red Bull’s communications head, who discusses the possibility of replacing the struggling Sergio Perez. As this unfolds, another rising star, Liam Lawson, is introduced. While Lawson’s determination might seem commendable, Drive to Survive presents his ambition in a way that contrasts significantly with Ricciardo’s established charm and popularity. Lawson expresses his frustrations about his current situation and his eagerness for a race seat, underlining the competitive nature of the sport and the pressure to perform.

Despite the focus on Lawson, Ricciardo remains an integral part of the narrative. Horner’s decisions regarding Ricciardo’s future may come off as pragmatic, yet the episode subtly reveals Ricciardo’s internal conflicts and uncertainty. In candid moments, he hints at contemplating retirement, expressing vulnerability rarely seen from professional athletes. This honesty adds a layer of complexity to his character that resonates with fans who have followed his journey.

As the season progresses, Ricciardo sits for what would be his final interview in the series. With introspection, he reflects on his dream of becoming a world champion and how close he once came. His thoughts evoke a sense of melancholy, marking a shift from the optimism that characterized earlier seasons of Drive to Survive.

The episode’s conclusion serves as an emotional farewell, highlighting the profound journey Ricciardo has undertaken. While DTS has depicted his struggles and successes, its portrayal feels less central this time around—almost a side note in a season filled with thrilling developments in the sport.

In a fitting tribute to his time in the spotlight, Ricciardo concludes the episode with a nostalgic message on a clapperboard, reminiscing about his evolution from a promising driver to a beloved figure in F1. With a mixture of pride and wistfulness, he bids his audience adieu, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the very fabric of Drive to Survive.

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www.motorsport.com