Daniel Ricciardo unveils his 'funky lid' for 2019

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He promised it would be "funky and artistic" and Daniel Ricciardo's 2019 helmet design certainly fits that bill.

The Renault driver revealed a bright multi-color motif in Melbourne on Thursday, taking a creative walk on the wild side as he no longer needs to comply with the specs previously imposed by his former employer, Red Bull.

Ricciardo worked in collaboration with an Australian artist who came up with the pink, blue and green scheme, emblazoned on one side with his #3 race number and the words "Stop Being Them" (a cryptic message for the good folks at Red Bull?) on the other.

Let's hope the switch is a harbinger of good luck.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.