Inside Daniel Ricciardo’s Aston Martin Valkyrie: F1 Spirit Meets Hypercar Engineering

When Aston Martin set out to create the ultimate road-legal hypercar, the brand collaborated with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and legendary Formula One designer Adrian Newey.

The result was the Aston Martin Valkyrie, a car that blurred the line between Formula One and endurance racing. Today, one of the rarest examples carries the name of one of motorsport's most charismatic drivers, Daniel Ricciardo.

The Valkyrie: F1 Engineering for the Road

The Valkyrie debuted in 2016 under the codename AM-RB 001, promising Formula One-level performance in a road car.

Its carbon monocoque chassis kept weight to just 1,270 kilograms, while a Cosworth-built 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine delivered over 1,100 horsepower alone.

Paired with a hybrid system developed with Rimac, total output reached 1,176 PS, creating a near 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.

Every detail of the Valkyrie was engineered for performance. Newey's aerodynamic design generated nearly 1,800 kilograms of downforce, more than the car's own weight.

The cockpit featured an F1-style removable steering wheel and camera-based rearview displays, reducing weight and enhancing the racing experience. This was no ordinary hypercar — it was a rolling experiment in applying motorsport design to the road.

From Prototype to Endurance Racing

Production faced delays, with initial deliveries promised for 2018. The extreme engineering pushed timelines, and the first customer cars arrived in 2021.

Aston Martin also unveiled a track-only variant, the Valkyrie AMR Pro, showing the platform's full potential without road legality restrictions.

By 2025, Aston Martin entered the Valkyrie LMH in the FIA World Endurance Championship, marking the first time a road-derived hypercar contested the modern WEC top class, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This connected the Valkyrie's F1 heritage with endurance racing prestige, reinforcing its dual role as a road and race machine.

Daniel Ricciardo's Chassis 089

Among the 150 Valkyries built, chassis number 089 is exceptional. Ordered through Aston Martin Monaco, it was delivered new to Daniel Ricciardo, the eight-time Grand Prix winner known as the "Honey Badger."

Over a 14-season Formula One career, Ricciardo earned eight victories and 32 podiums, building a reputation for late-braking heroics and charismatic driving.

Chassis 089 features the Q division color Dichroic Dawn, nicknamed "Badger Blue," which shifts dramatically under changing light. Carbon fiber dominates the bodywork, from satin-finished suspension covers to gloss-lacquered roof and engine panels.

Jewel-like details, such as the stainless steel Aston Martin Wings badge on the nose and an Inconel exhaust system at the rear, highlight craftsmanship and performance.

The interior is a minimalist racing-inspired environment. Black Alcantara is paired with exposed 2×2 twill satin carbon fiber. Fixed carbon bucket seats have subtle silver stitching.

The F1-style removable steering wheel houses digital displays and anodized controls, emphasizing track focus and weight reduction. Every element reinforces Aston Martin's obsession with performance engineering.

Performance and Specifications

The Valkyrie's 6.5-liter V12, hybrid KERS system, and near 1:1 power-to-weight ratio deliver breathtaking acceleration and track performance.

The car's aerodynamics, developed with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, generate downforce exceeding the car's weight at speed, while its inboard pushrod suspension ensures razor-sharp handling.

Optional upgrades include Magnesium Performance Wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and enhanced interior Q-spec finishes, allowing owners like Ricciardo to tailor the hypercar to their exact preferences.

The car's performance-focused engineering makes it a bridge between F1 technology and road usability.

A Rare Opportunity

Ricciardo's Valkyrie has only 160 kilometers on the odometer and comes with Aston Martin's comprehensive two-year service. It's also covered by the exclusive Valkyrie "Intensified" Ownership Programme, valid until 2029, ensuring continued factory support for the next owner.

Chassis 089's rarity and provenance make it extraordinary. As one of only 150 road-going Valkyries, and specified by a Formula One winner, it represents a unique blend of engineering excellence, racing heritage, and celebrity ownership.

Why the Valkyrie Stands Apart

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is more than an extreme-performance hypercar. It represents a historic convergence of road and race engineering, with a naturally aspirated V12, hybrid power, and Adrian Newey's aerodynamic genius. It will be remembered as one of the boldest hypercars ever created.

For collectors, Ricciardo's Valkyrie embodies Formula One innovation and Aston Martin's racing legacy. As the automotive world embraces electrification, the Valkyrie stands out as one of the last uncompromising hypercars — road-legal, track-capable, and forever linked to one of motorsport's most celebrated personalities.