Daniel Ricciardo seen looking very different as F1 fans share mixed reactions

Danny Ricciardo was rocking a different look than F1 fans are used to in a social media post shared by George Russell on Sunday. The Aussie fan favourite was pictured reuniting with Russell and Drivers' Championship leader Oscar Piastri at some padel courts in Monte Carlo.

Ricciardo, who has won eight F1 races throughout his career, lost his seat at RB to Liam Lawson with six weekends to go after last year's Singapore Grand Prix. He represented HRT, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault, McLaren and RB across 14 seasons, earning 32 podium finishes and 1329 points in 258 Grands Prix.

Ricciardo also ended up in P3 in the Drivers' Championship in 2014 and 2016, but he is now enjoying life away from F1.

On Sunday, Russell sparked online fanfare by sharing a photo from Monte Carlo International Sport, seemingly after an intense game of padel.

Alongside the Mercedes driver, Ricciardo and Piastri stood Scotty James, a snowboarder who is married to Lance Stroll's sister, Chloe.

But while the prospect of the Honey Badger staying in touch with his former F1 brethren excited fans, his appearance sparked serious conversation.

Ricciardo was sporting a thick beard and long, curly hair underneath a grey cap, receiving a mixed reception from those in the replies.

@INKS0101 shared many fans' excitement: "DANNY RICCCCC HES ALIVE MY BOY."

But @Robocop_70 posted: "Playing paddle with a jobless Australian?"

And @celticsviv bluntly wrote: "Danny Ric looks homeless."

Meanwhile, @braydon_bell added: "When you catch up with an ex-co-worker who's hit some hard times lately."

Yet, @nocarrycaveman was more complimentary, penning: "Only your boy could pull off a full beard and unkept black curls and still look tuff."

@TommyF1GT also had some wholesome input, replying: "It's been a while since we saw Daniel. His beard is all bushy, but his smile is as brilliant as ever!"

Earlier in the weekend, Ricciardo faced a wave of backlash for promoting betting firm Dabble in a social media video.

He has been largely silent online since his F1 exit but returned to promote Dan's Tailgate Party in association with Dabble, offering sports fans VIP tickets to meet him at an NFL game in September.

Many of his followers shared their outrage that he had partnered up with a betting firm, while others reluctantly made him aware of their disappointment.

While Ricciardo is off the F1 grid, Russell and Piastri will be starting their preparations for the Austrian Grand Prix in a week's time.