Ricciardo moved to the British Formula Three Championship for 2009, driving for Carlin Motorsport. He also made his debut in the 3.5-litre World Series by Renault championship. He retired from the first race, before finishing fifteenth in the second. When he returned to Formula Three, he extended his championship lead. Ricciardo became the first Australian driver since David Brabham in 1989 to win the British F3 title. He won the championship by 87 points.