Once the heart of Netflix’s F1 docuseries, Ricciardo’s departure is relegated to an awkward mid-season subplot

Netflix’s Drive to Survive owes much of its success to Daniel Ricciardo’s charm, but Season 7 treats his F1 exit with surprising indifference. The show, premiering March 7, struggles to frame his final moments, relegating them to an inelegant mid-episode subplot rather than the grand farewell he arguably deserved.

The episode chronicles Ricciardo’s ill-fated attempt to reclaim a Red Bull seat, contrasting his affability with Liam Lawson’s ruthless ambition. “The Netflix story isn’t working,” admits Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko—summarising Ricciardo’s fading relevance as the season unfolds.

In his final Drive to Survive interview, Ricciardo reflects on his unfulfilled world championship dream with bittersweet acceptance. “If I were a world champion sitting here today, does it change how I feel? I don’t think so,” he muses. But the docuseries that once made him its poster boy seems unsure what to do with him now.

He signs off with a final clapperboard message: “From S1 to S7. It’s been a ride. Arrivederci!” A fitting farewell—if only Drive to Survive had given him one.

Yet, for fans who fell in love with Ricciardo’s infectious grin and underdog spirit, the lack of a proper send-off feels like a missed opportunity. “He was the heartbeat of the show,” one fan lamented on social media. “To see him fade into the background is just sad.”

Even as Drive to Survive moves on, Ricciardo remains a fan favorite in the paddock, still drawing crowds and headlines despite his uncertain future. Whether he finds a permanent spot back on the grid or not, his legacy as the show’s most charismatic star is undeniable.

For now, Ricciardo seems at peace with his place in the sport, focusing on enjoying the ride rather than chasing past glory. But as Drive to Survive looks ahead to a new era of F1 storytelling, it’s clear that the show—and the sport—just won’t be the same without him.