Daniel Ricciardo's Next Move: How a Wine Empire Could Follow His F1 Career
As Daniel Ricciardo navigates another uncertain season in his Formula 1 career, the 35-year-old racing icon has an intriguing backup plan that’s turning heads in both the sports and business worlds. If the high-speed world of F1 doesn't pan out, Ricciardo appears ready to dive headfirst into the wine industry, courtesy of a significant new partnership with Dan Murphy’s, one of Australia’s leading liquor superstores.
With a hilariously over-the-top advertisement, Ricciardo has officially announced the arrival of his DR3 Wines at Dan Murphy’s. The ad presents Ricciardo in classic comical form, taking over an entire Dan Murphy's store and rebranding it as 'Dan Ricciardo’s.' Amid pallet loads of his own red wine being carted in by a forklift, the F1 star even goes as far as replacing the store's iconic branding with his own likeness.
From Racer to Winemaker
The advertisement kicks off with Ricciardo lounging with a glass of red wine when he receives a call from his agent about a new PR appointment. He learns that Dan Murphy’s is willing to stock his DR3 wine brand and devote significant shelf space to it. Misunderstandings and crackling phone lines lead Ricciardo to believe he’s been given his very own store, hilarity ensues as he takes over the entire establishment.
This isn't Ricciardo's first foray into the world of wine. In 2021, he teamed up with Barossa Valley’s St Hugo to launch his DR3 wine collection, a nod to his racing number and initials. The DR3 range gained traction when billionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes started promoting it in his upscale Merivale restaurants.
The Shoey Tradition
Ricciardo’s venture into wine may seem surprising, but his love for the beverage is well-documented. Known for popularizing the 'shoey'—a unique celebratory act of drinking from a shoe—Ricciardo took things a step further by introducing a wine decanter shaped like a racing boot. The decanter, created in partnership with St Hugo, allows fans to perform a shoey in a more sophisticated manner.
The shoey’s quirky tradition began with Australian V8 Supercars racers in 2014 and has since been embraced by numerous athletes, including UFC star Tai Tuivasa. Ricciardo himself made headlines when he coaxed actor Sir Patrick Stewart into joining him for a shoey after securing third place at the 2018 Canadian GP in Montreal.
Future in Formula One Wrestling with Uncertainty
While Ricciardo’s winemaking endeavors flourish, his racing career remains in flux. Currently racing for Red Bull's sister team, RB, Ricciardo’s F1 future is uncertain as Yuki Tsunoda is expected to extend his stay and Liam Lawson, the reserve driver, looks poised for promotion. Despite this, rumors swirl about a potential return to Red Bull as Sergio Perez faces scrutiny over his recent performances.
Ricciardo has also been linked with a potential move to Williams, but whether the seasoned racer wants to finish his illustrious career with a team that has struggled recently remains to be seen.
It’s a fascinating crossroads for Ricciardo, who could either find himself back in the limelight of Formula 1 or dominating a different kind of stage altogether—raising a glass to new ventures and exciting possibilities.
For now, fans can celebrate Ricciardo's journey from the track to the vineyard and envision a future where fast cars and fine wines collide in the most delightful of ways.