Daniel Ricciardo teases 2023 Sea-Doo RXP-X300

Although it is yet to be confirmed by the watercraft manufacturer, it appears Ricciardo has played a key role in unveiling what is believed to be a 2023 model-year update.

The current generation Sea-Doo RXP-X300 arrived as an all-new model in 2020 and, to date, has had one annual update that amounted to a colour and trim change.

However, the example that appeared in the Sea-Doo promotional video shows lashings of carbon fibre on the hood cover, embossed Sea-Doo badging, yellow accents on the handlebar pad, and a new mat design for the top deck.

As reported by Watercraft Zone, for now it is unclear if the model depicted is part of the running changes planned for 2023, a one-off special for Our Dan, or a new premium variant that could sit above the regular Sea-Doo RXP-X line-up.

Sea-Doo dealers canvassed by boatsales.com.au said they were yet to be formally advised about the model in the Daniel Ricciardo video.

However, they said that reading between the lines, such a craft will likely make it to showrooms.

The video also shows ‘300’ stickers on the blacked-out craft – a reference to the 300-horsepower output – which is the same as today’s model, meaning a power increase is unlikely, despite the more aggressive appearance.

That said, the current generation Sea-Doo RXP-X300 is already the fastest-accelerating ski on the market today.

In the right conditions, the Sea-Doo RXP-X300 is capable of going from rest to 100km/h in about 4.0 seconds – though in independent testing, motion-sensitive GPS timing starts from about 8.0km/h because of the difficulty in keeping watercraft stable on take-off.

Nevertheless, it is one of the quickest personal watercraft on sale today. In Australia, the Sea-Doo RXP-X300 RS models have a GPS top speed of about 123km/h in the right conditions.

In the video, Ricciardo – wearing a custom-made Sea-Doo race suit – runs an eye over the ski in a dimly-lit setting, showing off the carbon-fibre highlights in the process.

Then Ricciardo takes to the water.

The vision shows Ricciardo is not only comfortable on a jet ski but capable of committing himself to tight turns at speed, which requires epic upper-body strength – something no doubt assisted by his physical preparation for the high G-forces in F1 racing. 

While social media lit up over the video of Ricciardo on a personal watercraft, Sea-Doo fans were salivating over the subtle clues about the new model.

One Sea-Doo expert initially confirmed on social media that the model ridden by Ricciardo is a showroom version due next year – but the expert’s comments were quickly deleted.

The only official clue offered by Sea-Doo came at the bottom of the YouTube video:

“We’ve partnered with F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo to bring a fresh Sea-Doo perspective on the world of high-performance watercraft.

“Bold, unique, with an attitude that commands the water – just like the people who squeeze the throttle. 

“We couldn’t be more excited for what’s coming next! Stay tuned!”