Ricciardo: Nutrition, meditation and daily routines help rebuild

Speaking to Men’s Fitness, 35-year-old Ricciardo revealed how his approach to health and fitness has transformed since leaving the grid.

“We had such parameters to stay within. We had to watch the calories, we had to watch our weight. Now I’m just training for me and for my wellbeing,” Ricciardo said. “It’s nice to be able to have a few more calories and lift some weights. If I feel like going for a run, I go for a run. If I feel like going to the gym, I go.”

Once restricted by race weight limits and rigid conditioning routines, Ricciardo is now focused on strength training and flexibility, both physically and mentally. “It feels really good to lift again. It’s like slow and steady gains, but I feel healthy. I feel strong. And I think if I can do something each day, that’s kind of a little win.”

Ricciardo also shared that he no longer weighs his meals but stays mindful of his protein intake and recovery. He has even started cooking: “I’m still like a one out of ten. But just cooking my own meals and knowing where the food comes from, it feels good.”

Beyond the physical, the Australian has incorporated daily meditation into his routine to manage stress and maintain balance. “I definitely enjoy my own company more now. I think the meditation has helped, and I feel like I’ve definitely found a little more peace and balance with everything in my life.”

Ricciardo also credits consistent supplement use, including greens, magnesium, glutamine, theanine, creatine, and better sleep for helping reduce illness. “I used to get sick a lot, especially with the travel. I think just being more consistent with supplements and sleep has helped a lot.”

Now focused on wellness over performance, Ricciardo concludes: “I’m able to give more of myself to others around me and show up more.”

Ricciardo's prospects for returning to Formula 1 appear slim following his 2024 exit from Racing Bulls. Replaced by Liam Lawson after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, has expressed contentment with a slower-paced life, suggesting retirement.

Despite 237 Grand Prix starts, an eight-time F1 winner with credentials and fan support for a comeback, particularly with Cadillac's 2026 grid entry, Ricciardo has dismissed such rumours, stating: "I'm done."

His struggles with ground-effect cars and inconsistent performances at McLaren and AlphaTauri diminish his appeal. Other experienced Formula drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are favoured for new team seats.