Daniel Ricciardo set for F1 record dem…..read more
Australia has a proud and storied legacy in Formula 1, producing several standout drivers over the decades. From motorsport legend and three-time world champion Jack Brabham to the gritty Alan Jones, and more recently the determined Daniel Ricciardo and rising star Oscar Piastri, Australians have consistently made their mark on the F1 world stage. However, with the emergence of Piastri as a new force in the sport, the spotlight is beginning to shift, and Ricciardo may soon find himself slipping down the ranks of Australia’s F1 greats.
Historically, Australian drivers have enjoyed significant success in Formula 1. The nation collectively boasts an impressive record of 49 grand prix wins, 37 pole positions, and 145 podium finishes. Leading the charge is Jack Brabham, whose 14 race victories and three world championships set a high benchmark for all who followed. Alan Jones, the 1980 world champion, comes next with 12 wins, while Mark Webber holds third place with 9 race victories, having had a strong career with Red Bull Racing.
When Daniel Ricciardo burst onto the F1 scene, he was hailed as the next great Australian hope. His skill behind the wheel, combined with his charismatic personality, quickly earned him a strong fan following. His early performances, especially his breakout years with Red Bull, solidified his reputation as a potential future world champion. With seven grand prix victories to his name, Ricciardo looked destined to overtake Webber and perhaps even challenge Brabham’s record.
However, the past few seasons have not been kind to Ricciardo. Struggles with car performance, inconsistent results, and team changes have caused his career momentum to stall. Once considered among the sport’s elite, Ricciardo has found it difficult to recapture the form that once made him a podium regular. In the meantime, a new Australian talent has emerged in the form of Oscar Piastri, whose meteoric rise with McLaren has turned heads across the F1 world.
Currently leading the championship standings, Piastri has rapidly built a reputation as a future star. His composure, racecraft, and consistency suggest he could soon surpass Ricciardo’s accomplishments. If Piastri continues his upward trajectory, Ricciardo could soon find himself pushed further down Australia’s all-time F1 rankings — a historic shift that underscores the changing of the guard in Australian motorsport.
