Aussie F1 star Daniel Ricciardo's fans turn on him over social media post: 'Surely you don't need money that badly'
Share this @internewscast.com

Daniel Ricciardo has come under fire from fans after launching a tongue-in-cheek promotion with an Australian betting app. 

The recently retired Formula One star posted a video to social media announcing a new ‘tailgate’ business. 

What looked like a light-hearted comeback quickly turned sour when followers discovered it was part of a gambling promotion.

He jokes about being bored with hitting golf balls and looking for a ‘real passion project’. 

‘I love my football and I love a good time. Now it’s time for me to do both,’ he said.

Daniel Ricciardo retired from F1 in 2025 with eight wins and a legacy of entertaining driving

Daniel Ricciardo retired from F1 in 2025 with eight wins and a legacy of entertaining driving

Ricciardo relaxes in a deck chair before announcing his surprise "tailgate" comeback in a new video

Ricciardo relaxes in a deck chair before announcing his surprise ‘tailgate’ comeback in a new video

The Aussie F1 favourite claimed retirement was boring and said he needed a new "passion project" urgently

The Aussie F1 favourite claimed retirement was boring and said he needed a new ‘passion project’ urgently

Ricciardo then announces the launch of his own tailgate business in partnership with Dabble.

The video ends with Ricciardo encouraging fans to ‘get the party started’ by visiting DabbleDan.com. 

The website doesn’t advertise any business venture by Ricciardo. Rather, it’s an international contest offering the chance to win the Ultimate Texas Tailgate experience.

The prize includes flights, accommodation, and tickets to NFL matches – with Ricciardo as host.

Although the video was made with satire in mind, not everyone appreciated its humor. Many fans were upset about Ricciardo’s partnership with a gambling firm.

‘Don’t promote something that destroys lives, do something positive. Please,’ one follower wrote. 

Another commented, ‘We’re truly going to look back at these gambling ads someday in the way that we look back at cigarette ads now.’ 

One follower simply wrote, ‘Money badger strikes again,’ a play on Ricciardo’s old nickname, the Honey Badger. 

Fans discovered the business is part of a gambling promotion for a travel prize giveaway

Fans discovered the business is part of a gambling promotion for a travel prize giveaway

One fan wrote, "Surely you don't need the money that badly," while others called the move disappointing

One fan wrote, ‘Surely you don’t need the money that badly,’ while others called the move disappointing

‘What a shame. You’re shilling for a gambling company. JFC. Surely you don’t need the money that badly,’ said another.

The discontent was especially intense because Dabble is a social betting platform. This platform enables users to place bets, follow other users, and exchange tips within a community-driven feed.

While popular with younger audiences, the platform’s marketing tactics have raised questions. 

Gambling reform advocates argue such content normalises wagering through humour and celebrity endorsement.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australians lose roughly $25billion each year to legal gambling. 

Other estimates place total losses closer to $31.5billion, making Australia’s gambling losses the highest per capita in the world. 

‘Seriously mate? Money that tight is it? So bloody disappointing,’ another angry fan posted. 

The criticism comes just months after Ricciardo quietly stepped away from fulltime Formula One racing. 

Critics hit out at Ricciardo for promoting gambling during a time of rising industry scrutiny in Australia

Critics hit out at Ricciardo for promoting gambling during a time of rising industry scrutiny in Australia

He made his F1 debut in 2011 and soon established himself as one of the sport’s most exciting drivers. 

A move to Toro Rosso in 2012 showed his promise, but it was his 2014 switch to Red Bull Racing that launched his career into the spotlight.

Ricciardo won three Grands Prix in his debut season at Red Bull, finishing third in the world championship. 

Known for his daring overtakes and wide smile, he added wins in Malaysia (2016), Azerbaijan (2017), and Monaco (2018). 

In 2019, he left for Renault, aiming to rebuild a struggling team. While wins proved elusive, he secured two podiums in 2020 and earned respect as a leader.

He joined McLaren in 2021 and delivered their first win in nearly a decade at Monza. But inconsistent form in 2022 led to his exit. 

After a reserve role with Red Bull in 2023, Ricciardo returned mid-season with AlphaTauri. 

The results didn’t improve, and he quietly retired from full-time racing in 2025.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Welsh Rugby on the Brink: Two Regions at Risk, Pending Strike Talks, and Top Players Considering Departure Due to Financial Turmoil

Welsh rugby is at risk of seeing more of its key players…

Liga MX Unveils Striking 2025 All-Star Uniform Showcasing Mascots and Team Symbols

Last week, Major League Soccer introduced the jersey for the 2025 MLS…

Joao Pedro Geared Up for Clash: Chelsea Faces Fluminense in Club World Cup Semi-Final with Iconic Boxing Announcer in Attendance

It is believed FIFA have hired Michael Buffer — the legendary ring…

Why Arsenal is Investing £70m in Victor Gyokeres: Sporting Lisbon’s Rising Star and Brighton’s Greatest Regret

When Swansea signed a forward on loan in October 2020, it did…

Newcastle’s Latest Third Kit Honors a Classic Club Appearance

Newcastle United and adidas have revealed the club’s 2025/26 season third kit…

Rio Ferdinand’s 18-year-old son enters Premier League’s ‘nepo-baby’ ranks by inking first pro deal with top-performing team

Rio Ferdinand’s son Lorenz has become the latest in the expanding lineup…

England U-21s triumphantly celebrate their European Championship victory

England’s Under-21 team celebrated in grand fashion after successfully defending their European…

Man United’s Pre-Season: Challenges of Selling Unwanted Players and the Influence of the ‘Gang of Five’ at Carrington, by Chris Wheeler

Pre-season is typically an opportunity for fresh starts and clean slates, but…

Yoane Wissa aims to exit Brentford in a historic move to another Premier League team

Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford this summer, talkSPORT understands. The…

Retired Footballer Completes 37-Hour Fitness Challenge to Honor Late Teammate Joe Thompson, Dies at 36

As the self-doubt started to bleed into Simon Ramsden’s thoughts, his legs…

From Joyful Beginnings to a Heartfelt Goodbye: Ave Maria Echoes from Their Wedding to Diogo Jota’s Funeral Just 13 Days Later

At the end of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva’s funeral…