“He doesn’t deserve my respect,” Scott McLaughlin recently stated during the 2026 IndyCar season regarding his relationship with former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, recalling his encounters with the Australian driver with regret.

As the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season kicks off, Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin has made headlines with a blunt and unexpected comment about his relationship with Daniel Ricciardo, the eight-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner who retired from F1 at the end of 2024. In a recent interview amid preparations for the upcoming campaign, McLaughlin expressed deep disappointment, stating, “He doesn’t deserve my respect,” while reflecting on past interactions with the Australian star that left him with lasting regret.

McLaughlin, the New Zealand-born driver who transitioned from dominating the Australian Supercars Championship to becoming a key figure in IndyCar, has long been vocal about motorsport matters beyond his series. He previously championed Ricciardo publicly, notably in 2023 when he argued on social media that the then-Red Bull reserve should replace Sergio Perez alongside Max Verstappen, calling Ricciardo “the only guy to have pushed Max like ever.” At the time, McLaughlin’s comments sparked debates among fans, positioning him as a supporter of Ricciardo’s talent and potential.

Their connection dates back further. In earlier years, McLaughlin shared moments of admiration, including a fan-favorite encounter where he expressed excitement about meeting Ricciardo, whom he had followed since the Australian’s Toro Rosso days. Photos and social media posts from those times showed mutual respect between the two drivers from the Southern Hemisphere, with Ricciardo’s charismatic personality and late-braking style often drawing comparisons to McLaughlin’s own aggressive approach on track. Commentators, including former F1 analyst Will Buxton, even likened McLaughlin to “Daniel Ricciardo if he never left Red Bull,” highlighting their shared flair for daring overtakes and high-pressure performances.

However, something shifted in the intervening years. While details of the specific encounters remain private, McLaughlin’s recent remarks suggest personal or professional friction that soured the once-positive dynamic. The Kiwi driver’s words came during a broader discussion about respect in motorsport, amid a season where McLaughlin is adapting to changes within Team Penske. He enters 2026 with a new spotter, David Hunt, replacing longtime partner Adam Fournier, who moved to NASCAR opportunities. Despite the transition, McLaughlin remains a title contender, having consistently delivered podiums and poles since his 2021 rookie year, including strong oval performances and multiple victories.

Ricciardo, meanwhile, has stepped away from full-time racing following his exit from the RB (formerly AlphaTauri) team in late 2024. The “Honey Badger” has focused on personal ventures, including his DR3 Wines brand and ambassadorial roles, with recent reports linking him to potential occasional F1 paddock appearances in 2026 through partnerships like Ford. He has repeatedly dismissed rumors of a switch to IndyCar, citing concerns over the dangers of oval racing. In interviews, Ricciardo has expressed contentment with a slower pace post-F1, emphasizing family and a shift toward “stillness” after years in the spotlight.

The contrast between the two drivers’ paths could not be starker. McLaughlin continues to thrive in the demanding world of IndyCar, pushing for championships with Team Penske and even branching into endurance racing, such as his confirmed role in DXDT Racing’s Corvette lineup for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona. His career trajectory reflects resilience and adaptation, qualities he once saw in Ricciardo but now appears to question.

McLaughlin’s statement has sparked reactions across the motorsport community. Some fans view it as a rare glimpse into the personal toll of high-stakes interactions in racing, where egos, expectations, and fleeting moments can create lasting divides. Others speculate on whether unspoken incidents—perhaps during shared events, testing sessions, or paddock encounters—contributed to the rift. Regardless, the comment underscores the intensity of professional relationships in elite motorsport, where admiration can quickly turn to disillusionment.

As the 2026 season progresses, starting with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, all eyes will be on McLaughlin’s performance. With Phoenix Raceway returning to the calendar and ongoing adjustments at Team Penske following internal changes, he faces a challenging but opportunity-rich year. Whether this public expression of regret affects his focus remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder that behind the helmets and high speeds lie human complexities.

Ricciardo has not publicly responded to McLaughlin’s remarks, maintaining a low profile since his F1 departure. For now, the statement stands as a poignant chapter in a story that once promised camaraderie between two of open-wheel racing’s most entertaining talents. In a sport defined by split-second decisions, sometimes the most impactful moments happen off the track, leaving echoes that resonate long after the checkered flag.