Keeping legends alive is all part of Formula 1’s DNA. The sport thrives on the mystique of past champions, dramatic comebacks, and the cult-like following of drivers who have given fans countless nail-biting moments. But the recent case of Daniel Ricciardo has sparked a question that’s been simmering for some time: should Formula 1 drivers have a “time limit” on the grid?
Daniel Ricciardo is undoubtedly one of the sport’s modern heroes. The Aussie driver with a winning smile and fearless racing style captured imaginations worldwide, bursting onto the scene as a Red Bull rookie with bags of charisma both on and off the track.
But as his performance wavered – especially after tough stints with Renault and McLaren – he found himself in a position away from the grid, waiting tirelessly for his opportunity to return to the front.
At the time, Red Bull had a decision to make to keep the AlphaTauri competitive in the midfield. The choice was relatively simple: Ricciardo’s experience or Liam Lawson’s fresh direction. The defending champions, led by Ricciardo’s former boss Christian Horner, elected to keep the Australian for another season, bringing him out from the commercial duties that had kept him on the sidelines for half the season and into the driver’s seat of the AlphaTauri.
In this sport, age and experience are valuable commodities to any driver and his ability to stay competitive, providing insights and instincts that younger drivers may take years to develop. But, ultimately, Formula 1 is a results business, and when you’re not getting them, it doesn’t take long for the pressure to mount.
As the team transitioned to VCARB in 2025, question marks were raised about Ricciardo’s ability to perform from the back of the chasing pack. The car didn’t help, of course. But as his teammate Yuki Tsunoda consistently showed there was hidden pace to be found in the VCARB 01, Ricciardo’s time was cut short after his final race in Singapore.
For Ricciardo, the challenge of staying competitive in a high-stakes environment with younger, hungrier drivers like Lawson breathing down his neck is no small feat. But his recent struggles with the VCARB 01 showed the sport’s brutal reality: no amount of experience can entirely compensate for an underperforming car.
Just look over at the outgoing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, who has said that this season’s W15 is the worst car he’s ever driven.
At 39, the seven-time World Champion continues to leverage years of F1 experience to stay at the sharp end of the grid; his strategic instincts and racecraft are just as sharp as his younger competitors’ raw speed. But how can you stay competitive when you’re teetering across the asphalt at a fraction of the pace?
At 35, Ricciardo sits on the older side of the grid, with only Nico Hülkenberg (37), Lewis Hamilton (39) and Fernando Alonso (43) ahead of him. Hamilton and Alonso, however, continue to set the bar for longevity, whilst Ricciardo’s career arc reveals a pressing question within the sport: How long should a driver be given to keep their seat, their influence, and their edge? And more importantly, at what point does a legend risk losing their legacy by hanging on too long?
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The Allure of Longevity in Motorsport
There’s something magnetic about the idea of an experienced driver coming back for one last shot – Michael Schumacher’s return with Mercedes, Fernando Alonso’s impressive recent performances, and even Ricciardo’s own comeback attempt all add layers to the sport’s addictive storylines.
But let’s face it, Formula 1 isn’t a forgiving sport. The difference between the fastest driver and an “also-ran” is measured in fractions of a second.
With teenage sensations like Antonelli and Bearman coming through the ranks at Mercedes and Ferrari respectively, the next generation is already knocking on the door; drivers can boast careers that span decades rather than seasons.
With only 20 seats available, the relentless influx of young talent means that even the most legendary drivers must constantly prove their relevance to a team. For some, hanging around too long can mean falling from grace.
The Power of a Big Name Beyond the Track
Beyond the racetrack, there’s another factor keeping top drivers in their seats long past their prime: brand value. Formula 1’s stock continues to rise with the resurgent popularity of the sport in emerging markets. It’s led to a record three North American circuits in the season, with rumours of a fourth on its way.
Big names like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo contribute far more to the team than just an overall points tally each year. On the commercial side of Formula 1, drivers are hot commodities influencing their teams’ marketing, merchandise sales, and global visibility with each passing circuit.
A popular driver doesn’t just attract viewership, they help sell everything from team caps and jackets to branded racing gear and high-end sponsorships. A Formula 1 mechanic once told me that Sergio Pérez is the biggest driver of Red Bull sales in South America. His appeal in Latin America means more than just a fan following – it’s a strategic asset that extends the brand’s reach and boosts merchandise sales across an entire continent. Rumours have him bringing $20-$30 million per year to the team.
Ricciardo’s presence at a team like McLaren wasn’t just about securing a few podium finishes; he brought millions in brand appeal and social media clout. When a driver with a strong following joins or stays with a team, the merchandise side sees a noticeable spike. Some reports suggest that having a high-profile driver can increase a team’s merchandise sales by up to 50% – even if the results on the track don’t reflect it.
For sponsors and stakeholders, these numbers are huge. A driver like Ricciardo brings in fan engagement and sales that a newcomer simply can’t. It’s not just a sentimental attachment; it’s a financial incentive that gives these drivers a longer leash, sometimes at the expense of younger talent waiting in the wings.
When Do Physical and Mental Limits Come into Play for Older F1 Drivers?
Formula 1 isn’t a sport where experience alone wins races. The sheer physical demands, like neck-strengthening G-forces to intense cardiovascular strain, require a driver’s peak form. Reflexes need to be razor-sharp, and that’s something that age doesn’t help with.
As much as we’d like to believe that age is just a number, younger drivers bring fresh energy and a fearless mindset that becomes harder to sustain as drivers grow older. I’m reminded of the famous quote from Fernando Alonso after the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix, the season the Spaniard dethroned the great Michael Schumacher to win his first WDC.
Alonso, then just 24, made a gutsy overtake on Schumacher’s Ferrari on Lap 19, passing the legendary driver flat-out on the outside. After the race, Alonso famously said “I knew he would hit the brakes, because he has a wife and two kids at home.”
Of course, drivers like Fernando Alonso are only a few in a generation, as the two-time World Champion continues to be impressive well into his 40s. Before the current era of F1, there was, of course, Juan Manual Fangio. Fangio is the oldest winner of the World Drivers’ Championship; he was a ripe old 46 years old when he won the 1957 title.
For Ricciardo, the question becomes whether he can recapture the raw aggression and pace that made him a Red Bull sensation during his earlier years in the sport, or has time taken the edge off his killer instincts?
Does Legacy Matter More Than Loyalty?
Formula 1 teams are notoriously ruthless when it comes to performance. A driver’s legacy doesn’t guarantee them a permanent spot in the paddock. Ricciardo’s case highlights the dilemma facing teams and drivers alike: should loyalty and legacy give way to fresh talent?
Consider teams like Mercedes or Red Bull, which focus on cultivating young drivers, injecting new talent into the sport and creating a sustainable future. There’s always a gamble for drivers who return or extend their careers. They could leave as heroes, or end up tarnishing their legacies.
From a fan’s point of view, the idea of a “time limit” on a driver’s career is bittersweet. Watching our heroes race season after season is a thrill, but there’s an unspoken understanding: we want to remember them at their best. Ricciardo’s career isn’t over yet, but his current trajectory does make us ponder: what’s more important, one last season of mediocrity or bowing out at the top?
It might be time for Formula 1 to consider some form of structured longevity, a way to ease legends out gracefully while ensuring seats for emerging talent. Perhaps it’s up to drivers, teams, and fans alike to acknowledge that sometimes the right time to go out is before you’re forced to.
So, Should a Driver’s Time in F1 be Capped?
There’s no simple answer. Personally, I’d argue no. The romantic in us wants to keep seeing drivers like Ricciardo on the grid, defying the odds, making comebacks, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. But the realist has to wonder if the sport – and the drivers – would benefit from a bit more finality, a clear boundary that makes legends live forever in their prime.
I’d hate to see one of the current drivers moved on in place of a young gun when they’re still fit and firing on all cylinders. Imagine if Alonso or Hamilton’s final season in Formula 1 was determined by the FIA, instead of the driver who had given so much to the sport.
One thing’s for sure: Formula 1 will always have room for legends. Whether they’re behind the wheel, in the commentary booth, or running their own teams, their influence never truly fades. As for Ricciardo, the Australian star didn’t realise his dream of a Red Bull seat in 2025; we’d hate to think that this season was his final swansong in a career filled with indelible highlights.
