Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is under fire from fans after making a controversial social media post.
Since leaving the F1 grid, Ricciardo has remained silent. He stepped away from the sport and the spotlight in totality.
He broke his silence on June 18, opting to release a controversial advertisement on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Ricciardo partnered with the Australian sports betting company Dabble.
He announced a competition that will have a winner and a guest who will travel from an English airport to the United States for an American football weekend extravaganza.
The prize offers flights, a three-night stay, VIP tickets to the tailgate party, and a meet-and-greet with the driver.
The contest is named The Ultimate Texas Tailgate with Daniel Ricciardo. To enroll, people have to create an account on the Dabble app.
I’ve given retirement a crack, but It’s not for me. So, I’ve teamed up with the legends at Dabble to start a Tailgate business… Check it out at https://t.co/S20xXM51oAWhat are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit… pic.twitter.com/kHfXpAqonL
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) June 18, 2025
All over the world, sports gambling is growing as more areas continue to legalize it. In the United States, sports betting is everywhere, essentially inescapable for a sports fan.
As the industry grows, people are becoming more and more aware of gambling addictions and the risks of making them more accessible.
The aftermath of Ricciardo’s announcement was a wave of negative comments under the post, many of which were disappointed by his promotion of a gambling company.
“Would have supported the tailgate business idea without the direct link to a betting company, man. Disappointed,” a user commented.
“What a shame. You’re shilling for a gambling company. JFC. Surely you don’t need the money that badly,” another said.
“Seriously mate? Money that tight is it? Of all the things you choose to put your name and face on you chose gambling? So bloody disappointing,” a third added.
“Yikes! Considering Aussies gamblers have the highest losses per capita in the world and a high rate of teenagers on gambling sites, this isn’t it DR,” a person posted.
“Come on mate I’m a massive fan but this isn’t at all something good to put your name to. Gambling destroys lives, surely there’s better things to work with,” a fifth person said.
Ricciardo is far from the only athlete to take money from a gambling company, but his set of fans have shared their disappointment over his willingness to promote the vice.
The Australian racer left F1 back in 2024 after being replaced during the season by Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.
Red Bull Racing gave him another opportunity with the team in 2023, hoping he would beat out teammate Yuki Tsunoda and rebuild his confidence, but it never clicked.
After several races, the higher-ups at Red Bull decided to give Lawson a look, leaving Ricciardo on the outside looking in.
Since leaving, Ricciardo has promoted his wine company and clothing brand while staying away from the limelight until now.
Given the negative reaction, it will be interesting to see if he continues to advertise Dabble or calls an end to the tailgate party.
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