Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Horner recounts Ricciardo's hidden talent story he ‘never forgave me for’

19:01, 07 Feb

byTobia Elia

Christian Horner shared a light-hearted anecdote about Daniel Ricciardo from their time together at Red Bull.

“He’s a great singer. I always used to have a party after the Silverstone race, and his rendition of Wagon Wheel was legendary”

- Christian Horner

Appearing on The Christian O’Connell Show, the former Red Bull CEO and team principal recalled the Australian’s impressive singing skills, revealing how he once made him perform at a Christmas party.

“He’s a great singer. I always used to have a party after the Silverstone race, and his rendition of Wagon Wheel was legendary. In fact, I made him sing it at a Christmas party once, which he never forgave me for. Just a big personality with a lot of charisma.”

More broadly, Horner had warm words for the Perth native, praising both his human qualities and his ability as a driver, and suggesting that with the right car he could have gone on to become a world champion.

Daniel Ricciardo smiling - Photo: RacePictures

“Daniel is just a great guy. He lights up a room when he walks into it. He’s a big personality, with a big heart — a very sensitive guy. I just clicked with him. He was a wonderful driver.

“Unfortunately, at the time when he was at his peak, we didn’t have the most competitive car on the grid. I think if we had, he could have been a world champion. But he’s a great guy, and I think the sport misses Daniel — that smile.”

Horner backs 'motivated' Piastri to bounce back after tough end to 2025

Speaking on the Today programme, the former Red Bull CEO and team principal also turned his attention to another Australian driver, Oscar Piastri, who is coming off a title defeat last season.

“I thought he was odds-on favourite going into the summer break, and unfortunately, it sort of fell apart for him at the end of the season. But he will learn from that, and it will have hurt him and ultimately motivated him,” Horner said, adding that he believes Piastri will come back stronger this year.

Read the full story here.