Far from the hustle and bustle of the paddocks and the roaring single-seaters, Daniel Ricciardo resurfaces in a much more relaxed setting. The former Formula 1 driver, who retired from the championship after the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, was recently spotted… padel racket in hand, alongside some familiar faces from the world of F1.

A photo that brings back memories

It's via the Instagram account of George Russell that fans were able to discover this unexpected scene: Ricciardo in the middle of a padel game, smiling and surrounded by Russell himself, of the current championship leader Oscar Piastri, But also Scotty James, the Australian snowboarder known for being married to Lance Stroll's sister. A reunion between friends, at the crossroads of motorsport and sunny leisure activities.

A well-known setting in Beausoleil

This meeting took place at club Tennis Padel Soleil, located at Beausoleil, at the gates of Monaco. A well-known place for the sporting jet set, whose facilities regularly attract stars from all walks of life. This club is run by Fabrice Pastor, Monegasque businessman and founder of the circuit A1 Padel, currently on hiatus. Despite the temporary shutdown of the circuit, the club remains a mecca of padel in the principality, often frequented by sports and show business personalities.

Piastri, the successor turned playmate

The presence ofOscar piastri alongside Ricciardo is no small feat. The young Australian replaced his compatriot at McLaren at the end of the 2022 season, marking a delicate handover after a difficult year for Ricciardo. Today, the two men share a padel court rather than a race track – a symbolic image of an evolving F1, but one where the bonds between drivers remain strong.

Ricciardo, a dotted retirement?

Since his retirement from the circuit, Daniel Ricciardo cultivates a certain discretion. Neither return announced nor retirement confirmed. With 257 Grand Prix starts and eight victories, he remains a very popular figure, notably thanks to his charisma and his endearing personality. His hours of glory at Red Bull, then his more contrasting passages at Renault and McLaren, forged a singular trajectory.

If today he seems to enjoy a more peaceful life, between friendly meetings and sporting activities, its appearance in Beausoleil recalls that Padel has become a rallying point for stars, especially on the French Riviera.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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