“You Don’t Want to Hit a Stripper”: Daniel Ricciardo Warned of Unknown Challenges as Las Vegas GP Prepares to Throw Curveball

As Formula 1 heads into Sin City after a 40-year hiatus, all eyes are on the only 20 drivers in the world who can put on such a spectacle. Amongst those 20, a certain Australian driver is considered to be one of the most marketable properties in the sport, with Christian Horner comparing his aura to the Swiss legend, Roger Federer. That sort of praise could only make sense for the man with the golden smile, Daniel Ricciardo!

As the circus prepares to light up the Las Vegas Strip on Saturday night, the media tours are in full swing for drivers, with Ricciardo delivering some of the funniest moments so far. He left fans rolling on the floor with laughter a few weeks ago when he appeared on Sundae Conversation with Caleb Pressley. But it only got better from there, as Ricciardo made it onto the iconic late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Daniel Ricciardo gets some solid advice from home-town hero Jimmy Kimmel

Whilst Jimmy Kimmel was born in New York, it’s the sandy magic of Las Vegas that he’s come to know so well after growing up there. Speaking to Ricciardo, the Nevada native was baffled by the event’s scale, “You’re going to be driving on the Las Vegas Boulevard – you know I’m from Las Vegas, and it’s crazy to me that you guys are closing the strip down to race on the strip!” – amongst public outrage related to the construction for the Las Vegas Street Circuit, Ricciardo couldn’t help but feel sorry for the locals, “you must hate us”, he joked.

“No! Not at all! In fact, I will tell you that people in Las Vegas are really excited about this, they’re really like, you know, a lot of crazy things happen in Vegas but this one they’re particularly excited about.” – Kimmel was quick to allude that the grandiose behind the event would supersede the current disapproval.

Putting aside the excitement, Kimmel had some words of ‘wisdom’ for the Honey Badger, “You gotta be careful though because you know, there are people with like Margaritas and uh, Daquiries that are like four and a half feet tall, you could easily run somebody over like, just don’t discount that factor, all right? If you see a red light, stop is what I’m saying!” –  while we’ve had monitor lizards and birds as guests on track before, Kimmel was having a blast with the local jokes!

Ricciardo had an uncharacteristically innocent reply, “I guess what you’re saying is there’s 19 others that I have to watch out for but it could be more” – But leave it up to Kimmel to leave the Australian chuckling, “It could be thousands! There could be magicians, there could be strippers walking across.” – the audience and Ricciardo burst out laughing, ‘You don’t want to hit a stripper!” – safe to say the Honey Badger will definitely heed the host’s advice!

READ MORE: “One of the Greatest Compliments”: Daniel Ricciardo’s Life Comes Full Circle as U2 Star Bono Returns Karaoke Favor

With his shenanigans on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Sundae Conversation, Ricciardo’s marketing flourishes because he’s just himself without worries, whether it’s on the TV or the Podium! Well, speaking of podiums, fans visiting the Las Vegas GP have a brilliant chance to recreate Ricciardo’s podium shenanigans.

Put yourself in Daniel Ricciardo’s ‘shoes’ at the Bellagio!

While Jimmy Kimmel warned Ricciardo about the Margaritas and Daquiries, it’s the Australian’s podium celebration that has everyone trying to get to the Bellagio! They announced yesterday that fans of the Honey Badger could experience a Ricciardo signature shoey at their very own Shoey-bar!

Although it’s unlikely the Australian will show up, fans looking for a way to do a shoey without the racing driver sweat mixed in can thank MGM Resorts, who shared, “At the Shoey Bar, we invite you to tap into that exhilarating feeling of victory, immersing yourself in the very essence of your favorite sport. Slip into our genuine MGM-branded driving shoes, fill them with your beverage of choice, and raise a triumphant toast, just like your racing heroes do on the podium. Experience the rush, savor the glory, and celebrate your passion for racing with us!”

The shoe itself will be lined with a protective shield for the drinks, but it’s surely a one-of-a-kind experience and you could perhaps challenge a few mates to see who can down the most shoeys!  It’s safe to say that the Las Vegas GP preparations are in full swing despite the various hurdles that have come their way. And with so much marketing surrounding Daniel Ricciardo, the Honey Badger is continuing to grow his brand whilst spreading happiness everywhere he goes.

WATCH THIS STORY | Rich History of F1 races in Las Vegas Throughout the Years

Will Daniel Ricciardo live up to the American audience and celebrities’ expectations? We think he’s gonna do just fine but stay tuned to find out!