Ricciardo's first Indy 500 as a fan reignites 'childhood feelings' after F1 exit

Daniel Ricciardo attended the 110th Indianapolis 500 as a spectator for the first time, and the eight-time Formula 1 grand prix winner says the experience stirred something unexpected. Writing in a newly launched newsletter to his fans, the Australian described the weekend as bringing back “childhood feelings” — a reaction he admitted surprised even him.

Ricciardo made the trip to Indianapolis to support his long-time friend Conor Daly, with the pair’s friendship stretching back nearly 15 years to when both were chasing the European racing dream from opposite sides of the world. The two collaborated on a special Enchanté 500 merchandise line to mark the occasion, with Ricciardo’s clothing brand, Enchanté, a growing focus since his departure from F1.

“Every neighborhood I drove past had Indy 500 flags and checkered flags hanging off the front porch,” Ricciardo wrote. “It kinda feels like the local sporting team has made the final or something. Everyone just gets behind it.”

Standing on the grid before the race, Ricciardo described seeing tears in drivers’ eyes during the prayer and national anthem as the moment the scale of the event truly hit him. He also recalled a conversation with Daly about race-day preparation that left an impression.

“I asked Conor on race day what he does before the race to lock in and shut out the distractions and the noise,” Ricciardo wrote. “He said, ‘Man, this is the biggest and coolest thing I’ll ever do in my life, why would I not want to hear every noise and every cheer? I don’t want to be listening to music. I want to see, hear, and feel everything.’”

Since stepping away from the F1 grid, Ricciardo has taken on a role as a Ford Racing ambassador and has channelled more energy into building Enchanté. He acknowledged the contrast between his former life at 200mph and his current pace, but insisted the transition has been a positive one.

“I’ve enjoyed spending a lot more time in the Enchanté seat,” he wrote. “Most would think that’s a weird jump, going from a 200mph cockpit to a static office chair. But honestly? I’m loving the change of pace and getting to dive deeper into the brand we built out of a racing career, but is now outliving mine.”

For a driver who spent his entire career on the other side of the barrier, experiencing Indy as a fan offered a perspective he had never encountered before — and one he clearly found difficult to put into words.