Daniel Ricciardo is facing a huge online backlash after linking up with betting firm Dabble and promoting the bookmaker in a video on social media. The Australian spent 14 years as an F1 driver, with his final stint in the sport coming with Racing Bulls last season before he was replaced by Liam Lawrence in the autumn.
Ricciardo was a popular figure in F1 and spent two years as Max Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate between 2016 and 2018 before moving on and joining Alpine when the team were branded as Renault. After a two-year stint with McLaren towards the latter part of his career, the 35-year-old joined the Red Bull junior team in 2023. His final race came at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, before Lawrence was chosen to replace him immediately.
Ricciardo has kept a low profile on social media since his F1 career ended. But he returned to X (formerly Twitter) last week to post an advert to promote Dan’s Tailgate Party in association with Dabble, with sports fans given the chance to win VIP tickets to meet the former F1 star at an American football game in September.
In the video, he explains: “You know what, it’s been a while, but I’m ready to say it – retirement ain’t what it’s cracked up to be. I could smack golf balls around all day, but man, what a snooze fest.
“I need more than just a hobby, I need a real passion project. And then it came to me. I love my football and I love a good time, and now there’s time for me to do both.
“So I’ve teamed up with Dabble to start my very own Tailgate business. Yes, that’s right, you need a Tailgate in a hurry this season – well visit the website and let’s get the party started.”
A host of his followers appeared to be utterly outraged that he is working with a betting firm. And they weren’t afraid to make their views clear to him.
Ricciardo fan @ElizabethKamel replied: “Daniel, maaaate! Huge fan. Start a non-profit in Australia allowing disadvantaged and at risk kids the opportunity to train go karting and maybe have a chance at F1 so it’s not only for the wealthy. Don’t promote something that destroys lives. Do something positive. Please.”
Meanwhile, @Mar_Lehbi wrote: “Would have supported the tailgate business idea without the direct link to a betting company man. Disappointed.”
And @r1cbull penned: “Genuinely who asked for this? There is no way you need money that bad bro you’re a goddamn millionaire and an extremely marketable face and this is what you decide to do with that? Pack it up.”
The criticism continued, with some people questioning whether the Aussie had run out of money. And @MagpieMetalcore added: “Seriously mate? Money that tight is it? Of all the things you choose to put your name and face on you chose gambling? So b***** disappointing.”