Whilst Daniel Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 looks increasingly uncertain, the Aussie is at least loving life off the circuit, following the public announcement of his relationship with girlfriend Heidi Berger.
Ricciardo is facing one of the most difficult decisions he’s ever had to make in regard to motorsport, with the Honey Badger having to decide between a one-year hiatus or a pursuit of the currently vacant Haas seat.
The fan favourite is facing the decision following his announcement that he will be leaving McLaren at the end of the season, unfortunately, as expected.
The Aussie will be replaced by fellow Australian Oscar Piastri, who is regarded as a potential future World Champion.
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Ricciardo has faced a horrific spell at the Woking-based team, with his victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix feeling like an eternity ago.
With the Honey Badger currently having to deal with so much, it’s actually incredibly nice to hear that he has someone he can talk to about all that is currently going on with his life.
Ricciardo’s 25-year-old girlfriend is, funnily enough, the daughter of ex-F1 driver Gerhard Berger; the pair went public about their relationship in August.
The McLaren driver was asked about his relationship during a recent interview, where he was asked if having his girlfriend helps to ‘eliminate stress’ from his chaotic life.
“Yeah mate, I’m in love,” the McLaren driver said during an interview with Fitzy & Wippa.
“I’ve got a good thing going on, so yeah, I’ve got a good balance in life right now.”
With the Aussie having become famous and loved amongst fans for his infectious smile and always positive energy, it would be easy to understand why this would disappear, given his current situation.
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There doesn’t appear to be any sign of this happening, with Heidi clearly having a hugely positive impact on his life.
Ricciardo was asked if she’s a good driver, something the Honey Badger admitted she was but “definitely not race-car status”.
With Ricciardo being a huge fan of the United States and with his girlfriend being a student in New York, the Australian may consider a reported offer from NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing Project 91, to be able to spend a year across the Atlantic.
Should he wish to remain in F1, then his best option appears to be Haas, who held a phone call with prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix.
However, Haas boss Guenther Steiner wants the Australian to decide on what he wants to do next year first, before attempting to sign the 33-year-old.