How one of Formula 1’s greatest personalities defined his own paddock style

Daniel Ricciardo has always been one of Formula 1’s most magnetic personalities. His career wasn’t just about race wins, shoey podiums, and daring overtakes. It was about the joy he carried with him everywhere, the humour he shared in interviews, and the way he made everyone around him feel like part of the show.

That infectious personality extended to his wardrobe. Ricciardo never set out to be a fashion icon, but over time he built a personal style that felt unmistakably his own. It wasn’t about trends or approval; it was about wearing what made him happy.

When he first arrived on the grid in 2011 with HRT, his look was what you would expect from a rookie – team kit, hoodies, caps, and sneakers. But even then, his personality occasionally peeked through in brightly coloured trainers or playful hats.

Much like his early driving, there was a spark that hinted at bigger things to come. Fans were quick to notice his charm and cheek, and the nickname “Honey Badger” started circulating, perfectly capturing the blend of fearless aggression and cheeky humour that defined him.

As his career progressed, so did his confidence both on and off the track. By 2014, as a three-time race winner with Red Bull, Ricciardo’s style had started to evolve into something more playful. Oversized tees, patterned button-ups, tinted aviators, and his ever-present black Vans shoes became staples. He wasn’t dressing to impress anyone but himself, and that authenticity made him stand out in a paddock that could otherwise feel uniform.

His personality extended beyond the racetrack. Fans loved his radio callouts – from funny quips to his spontaneous humour during races – which became just as famous as his overtakes. There were moments like the chaotic 2016 Monaco Grand Prix where his laughter over the radio made headlines, and, of course, the shoeys. Each podium celebration was a joyous statement that sometimes ended in champagne all over the team, and usually over himself too.

He also had a knack for leaning into the culture of wherever the F1 circus landed. Speaking to GQ Australia, Ricciardo said that travel shaped his style more than anything. “The more I travel, the more I recognise I am drawn to the styles of each place. I guess you could say I dress to the setting and go with the flow.”

Nowhere was this more obvious than in Austin, where he embraced his “honorary Texan” status with cowboy boots, Stetson hats, and even arriving at the paddock on horseback in 2022. Other weekends brought different twists, from Western belt buckles to Mexico-inspired sombreros, but, for Daniel, it was always about having fun.

This light-hearted spirit eventually found its way into fashion more deliberately with the birth of his lifestyle label. Ricciardo’s first foray came via his RIC3 merchandise, which included ‘Enchanté’ – a small line of hoodies and tees that felt closer to his own wardrobe than traditional F1 fanwear.

Fans responded immediately – the pieces were wearable, authentic, and reflected Ricciardo’s own approach to clothes and style. By January 2023, the line had grown into a separate lifestyle brand, Enchanté, boasting an array of oversized tees, playful graphics, and bold colours.

“It started as a bit of a laugh,” he told GQ Australia, recalling a friend in Monaco who would say “enchanté” instead of cheers. What began as a joke became the perfect encapsulation of Ricciardo’s aesthetic.

Enchanté wasn’t just for fans. Fellow drivers were often seen sporting the pieces around the paddock or at casual team events. Ricciardo wore the brand himself because it felt right, not for promotion.

“When I’m not in a cowboy get-up or a homespun Bode shirt, I’ll be in a hoodie or T-shirt of my own making,” he said to GQ, showing how the brand was as much a reflection of his personal style as it was fanwear.

In his later F1 seasons at McLaren, as Red Bull’s reserve driver, and finally during his stint with Racing Bulls, Ricciardo doubled down on comfort and individuality. Oversized tees, slouchy cardigans and easy layering became his signature, with plenty of Enchanté pieces mixed in. Still, he showed he could switch gears when the moment called for it.

At the 2023 Met Gala, his first time at the biggest night in fashion, Ricciardo traded in his hoodies and Vans for a custom suit in black grosgrain ribbon tweed, complete with a sharp waistcoat and jacket. He even slipped a hip flask into his look, which was a typically cheeky touch from the Honey Badger.

Vogue even covered his getting-ready process for the event, a high compliment that highlighted how effortlessly he could step into black-tie while still keeping his bubbly personality front and centre.

By the end of 2024, Ricciardo had stepped away from the grid, and his wardrobe made the transition seamlessly into his post-racing life. Instagram posts throughout 2025 show him at ease: walking along the beach, enjoying coffee runs ay home, and hanging out with those close to him.

Oversized hoodies, relaxed shorts, and his favourite tees (often Enchanté) still dominate the Aussie’s wardrobe, and his clothing choices still reflect the same philosophy he’s held for years: wear what makes you happy.

When he officially announced his retirement in September 2025, alongside his new role as Ford Racing ambassador, Ricciardo had already settled into a life with fewer schedules and more freedom. “The greatest thing about my days now is not having a schedule,” he reflected with GQ. After years of precise, high-pressure routines, he was enjoying the little things.

And yet, his signature playfulness remains. Speaking to GQ about his long-standing love of baggy tees, he said: “I have been wearing baggy tees for a long time. Maybe I will move from an XL to a M in some scenarios, for a cleaner look. I will be 36 this year, so I might experiment with 36-year-old clothing!”

Ultimately, Ricciardo’s story is less about trends or accolades and more about authenticity. He dresses for himself, with a grin that could light up any paddock, a sense of humour, and the same joyous energy that has made him one of Formula 1’s most beloved figures from day one. And yes, that cheesy grin is still very much part of the package wherever he goes.