Daniel Ricciardo finished his first year with the Woking team in eighth position, a rather disappointing result, although he managed to climb to the top of the podium again at the Italian Grand Prix, where the British team achieved the only double of the course .
This was his 11th season in Formula 1, and his “significant service to motorsport as a driver and ambassador, and to the community” saw him made a Member of the Order of Australia .
This award was established in February 1975 by Queen Elizabeth II , and its purpose is to “recognize citizens of Australia and others for their meritorious service achievements”. To be able to compare it, it would be a similar distinction to the Order of the British Empire that Lewis Hamilton recently received.
The announcement of his appointment is due both to his sporting achievements and to his series of charities, such as the Ricciardo’s Racers programme, run by Motorsport Australia .
The McLaren driver joins the likes of Toby Price , Dakar winner who received the Medal of the Order last year, Mark Webber, Jack Brabham , Mark Skaife , Craig Lowndes and Peter Brock .
Joining Ricciardo on the list of honorees were other Australian sports stars including tennis player Dylan Alcott , who was also recognized as Australian of the Year, NBA player Patty Mills , and Chelsea footballer Sam Kerr .
The 32-year-old driver was one of seven people inducted into the 2022 honors for motorsports reasons. Terence Bracken and Leslie Power received the medal for “service to the motorsports industry”, while Ian Tato for “service to motorsports history”.
Kay De Luca and the late Anthony De Luca were honored for “service to motoring clubs and the community”, with the final award going to Ian Dibgy for “service to the community and the motor industry”.
