No Stefon Diggs, No Gabe Davis, No Championship Hopes for the Buffalo Bills? Not So Fast, Says F1’s Daniel Ricciardo
Despite the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the Buffalo Bills’ championship aspirations remain intact, according to one of their most devoted fans—Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo. As the team gears up for the 2024 season, Ricciardo, a close friend of quarterback Josh Allen, shared his optimism in an exclusive interview with Bleacher Report.
“I think they’re still in a window where they have the ability and the opportunity to go all the way,” Ricciardo expressed. “I’m excited.”
The Bills have bolstered their wide receiver lineup by signing Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Chase Claypool, and drafting rookie Keon Coleman. Coleman, a second-round pick, impressed with 11 touchdown catches at Florida State last year. While it’s challenging to replace the production of Diggs and Davis, the new additions bring versatility and experience. Samuel, known for his dual-threat capabilities, and Valdes-Scantling, fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Kansas City Chiefs, will look to make significant contributions.
At the heart of this revamped roster is Josh Allen, one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. Ricciardo, who has become good friends with Allen, believes the quarterback’s leadership will be crucial. “I think that if anyone is writing them off, that’s where he will shine,” Ricciardo said. “He will bring that group together.”
Ricciardo’s enthusiasm for the Bills extends beyond mere fandom. He has traveled to see Allen play at MetLife Stadium and in London, even catching passes from him before games. However, he acknowledges that a true Bills Mafia experience requires a visit to Highmark Stadium. “I need to get to Buffalo,” Ricciardo admitted. “I want to experience the grittiness of it. Fingers crossed I somehow get there this year.”
Ricciardo’s friendship with Allen began in Monaco in 2019, and their bond has strengthened over the years. Their camaraderie is humorously showcased in the short film “The Legend of Ricallen,” premiering Wednesday on LegendOfRicallen.com. The film, part of a partnership with Beats by Dre, features the duo on an adventure to find the perfect racehorse. “It is definitely ridiculous in all the good ways,” Ricciardo said.
On the racing front, Ricciardo’s career has seen a resurgence. After stints with Renault and McLaren, he returned to Red Bull as a reserve driver in 2023 and was later promoted to a full-time spot on the rebranded RB team for 2024. “I love being back more than anything,” he said. “I’m definitely going all in during this next phase of my career.”
Ricciardo aims to achieve consistent success and contribute to RB’s quest for sixth place in the constructors’ championship. “If I could have the types of races where everyone is like, ‘yeah, he’s still got it,’ that’s what I would like,” he stated.
As Ricciardo prepares for a promising season in F1, he also holds onto his high hopes for the Bills. His journey with the team and his friendship with Allen are set to continue, with the possibility of a visit to Buffalo on the horizon.
