Ricciardo Opens Up on Indy 500 Fear: 'Scares the Shit Out of Me'

Daniel Ricciardo will attend his first Indianapolis 500 later this month as a spectator, a collaboration between his Enchante clothing brand and IndyCar driver Conor Daly. The eight-time Grand Prix winner admitted the experience has already reignited his love for motorsport after stepping away from full-time competition.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo’s candid reflections highlight the genuine respect between F1 and IndyCar, and offer insight into how elite drivers process the end of their careers. His openness about feeling hurt and questioning his relationship with racing resonates beyond the paddock.

The details:

• Speaking on Daly’s Speed Street podcast, Ricciardo said he hasn’t been this excited to attend a race since he was a kid: “I’ve probably never been more excited … just to be a fan.”
• He attended the Daytona 500 last year and was blown away, and expects similar awe at Indianapolis — particularly the sound, the crowd, and the entry into Turn 1.
• On oval racing: “It scares the shit out of me. It’s freaking awesome.” He dismissed any notion of F1 superiority, emphasizing mutual respect across categories.
• On post-F1 heartbreak: In the immediate aftermath of his career end, Ricciardo said he felt hurt and distanced himself from the sport. “Racing … can rip your heart out.”
• He slowly rebuilt that relationship by attending other events as a fan, which helped him “rekindle a healthy relationship” with motorsport.

What’s next:

While speculation about a return to competition persists, Ricciardo made clear any future racing would be driven purely by enjoyment: “If I was to do something … it would definitely be more from a fun aspect than chasing a championship. I just want to have some fun with it.”

For now, he’s looking forward to soaking in the spectacle of the Indy 500 without a helmet — and admits he’s glad he won’t be the one behind the wheel on those high banks.