Daniel Ricciardo’s returns to Formula 1 Comes With a Twist
Daniel Ricciardo may no longer be lining up on the grid, but his connection to Formula 1 is far from over. The popular Australian has spoken openly about his excitement at being part of Ford’s highly anticipated return to F1 in 2026 — a comeback that also marks a new chapter for Red Bull Racing.
Ford is re-entering Formula 1 through a major partnership with Red Bull, supporting the Milton Keynes outfit as it embarks on one of the most significant transitions in modern F1 history: producing its own power units under the new 2026 regulations. While Ricciardo initially made it clear that his newly announced role with Ford Racing was separate from Red Bull’s F1 project, recent comments suggest the lines may not be as firmly drawn as once thought.
Ricciardo was named Ford Racing’s global ambassador in September, a role that keeps him closely connected to motorsport without the relentless pressure that defined his driving career. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has already hinted that the eight-time Grand Prix winner could make appearances in the F1 paddock in the future — and now Ricciardo himself has added fuel to that speculation.
Speaking in an interview with GQ Sports, Ricciardo was asked what excites him most about Ford’s return to Formula 1. His response highlighted both the emotional and cultural significance of the project.
“Bringing back some history and American passion,” Ricciardo said. “And I get to be involved outside, but with some involvement — if that makes sense.”
That carefully chosen wording has caught the attention of F1 fans, many of whom are hopeful the ever-smiling Aussie will once again be a familiar face at Grand Prix weekends when Ford officially returns in 2026.
Ricciardo also opened up about life after stepping away from full-time racing, revealing that retirement took some adjusting to. After years of pushing himself at the highest level of motorsport, the transition to a slower, more balanced pace wasn’t immediate — but it has been rewarding.
“What is next for me is really just enjoying this pace of life I’m living now,” he explained. “It took me a little while to adjust from retirement, but now I’m finding my pace and my happiness.”
He added that his role with Ford offers the perfect middle ground — allowing him to remain immersed in motorsport and the automotive world without the intense self-imposed pressure that came with competing at the top of Formula 1.
“With Ford and being the ambassador for them, it’s a way to still stay in racing, in motorsport, in the automotive world, but without the pressure I put on myself for many years,” Ricciardo said. “That’s a nice balance that I’m very happy with.”
Since taking on the Ford Racing ambassador role, Ricciardo has fully embraced his new responsibilities. He has appeared at multiple events across the racing calendar and has become a regular feature on Ford’s social media platforms.
One of his most high-profile appearances came at the 2025 Raptor Rally, where Ricciardo climbed back behind the wheel — this time driving a Ford Raptor through the desert landscapes around Lake Havasu. He documented the experience through vlogs and social content, giving fans a glimpse of his post-F1 adventures.
Sharing highlights from the event on Instagram, Ricciardo wrote: “Pure freedom and fun in the desert at Raptor Rally! Getting to jump the Ford F-150 Raptor through the sand in Lake Havasu was a blast.”
Beyond off-road adventures, Ricciardo’s association with Ford has also led to a notable reunion with former Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen. Both drivers are now linked through Ford’s involvement in Red Bull’s 2026 project, sparking nostalgia among fans who remember their time together at the team.
While Ricciardo has made it clear that he is content with his current lifestyle, his comments — combined with Red Bull’s hints — leave the door open for future appearances in the F1 world. Whether as an ambassador, advisor, or simply a familiar face in the paddock, one thing is clear: Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 story isn’t completely finished — it’s just different now.
