Always bring your best smile to the game

F1 fans and fellow drivers alike will miss Daniel Ricciardo’s infectious positivity and charisma, and especially the Aussie's trademark smile that lit up the sport for 14 years as much as his eight Grand Prix victories.

With Liam Lawson stepping in from the US Grand Prix onwards, Ricciardo’s presence will leave a void, but his legacy of skill and laughter will long be remembered in F1’s history.

Almost all of Ricciardo’s colleagues paid tribute to the F1 veteran after Thursday’s announcement, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton who offered perhaps the most heartfelt and sincere message of all.

“It’s been an honour to compete with you over the years,” said the Briton in a post on social media. “I’ll never forget the battles, the laughs and drinking out of your shoe. It was gross, but glad I got to do it with you, bud.

“You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it. There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”