Horner recalls Ricciardo's hidden talent and his potential as a world champion
Christian Horner shared that Daniel Ricciardo is a talented singer and believes the Australian could have been an F1 world champion with a better Red Bull car during his peak years. He also expressed confidence that Oscar Piastri will be motivated to bounce back after his 2025 title challenge unraveled.
Christian Horner revealed Daniel Ricciardo's legendary singing skills and said the Australian driver could have been a Formula 1 world champion if he'd had a competitive Red Bull car at his peak. The former team principal also backed Oscar Piastri to bounce back strongly from his 2025 title defeat.
Why it matters:
Horner's insights offer a rare personal glimpse into the character of a fan-favorite driver and highlight the fine margins between success and missed opportunities in F1. His belief in Ricciardo's championship-caliber talent underscores how driver legacies are often shaped by machinery as much as skill.
The details:
- Hidden Talent: Horner shared that Ricciardo is a "great singer" whose rendition of 'Wagon Wheel' at post-Silverstone parties was "legendary." He once made Ricciardo perform it at a Christmas party, an act the driver "never forgave me for."
- High Praise: Horner described Ricciardo as a big personality who "lights up a room," with a big heart and sensitivity. He stated they "just clicked" and that Ricciardo was a "wonderful driver."
- Missed Opportunity: The key revelation was Horner's belief that Ricciardo could have been a world champion. "Unfortunately, at the time when he was at his peak, we didn't have the most competitive car on the grid. I think if we had, he could have been a world champion," Horner said, adding that the sport misses him and his smile.
- Piastri's Motivation: Turning to another Australian, Horner commented on Oscar Piastri's tough end to the 2025 season, where a title challenge "fell apart." He believes the experience will have "hurt him and ultimately motivated him" to come back stronger.
What's next:
While Ricciardo's path back to a top seat remains uncertain, Horner's comments solidify his legacy as a beloved figure with unfulfilled title potential. For Piastri, the focus is on applying the painful lessons from 2025 to mount a renewed championship bid, with Horner evidently expecting a motivated response from the McLaren driver.