Daniel Ricciardo makes career decision after | Sports News

One of Formula 1’s most beloved stars in latest reminiscence, Daniel Ricciardo, has determined to call it a career behind the wheel. The 36-year-old Australian made his decision public in a assertion on Friday, during which he additionally introduced his new position with Ford Racing.

The longtime Red Bull Racing driver, who received eight races during his F1 career, together with the Monaco Grand Prix, and final raced in Singapore in September 2024 earlier than being changed by Liam Lawson at VCARB, has accepted the position of Global Ford Racing Ambassador.

His retirement places to relaxation any strategies that Ricciardo might enterprise into different collection, similar to IndyCar or NASCAR, with groups having reportedly made gives to compete since he left F1, as per ESPN.

“While my racing days are behind me, my love for anything with wheels will always remain high and for that I am proud to be partnering with Ford to become a Global Ford Racing Ambassador,” Ricciardo stated.

“I am going to be working closely with the Ford Racing team and specifically focus on the amazing Raptor brand and lifestyle that Raptor has become for many of Ford’s customers.

“So why now and why me? When I decided it was time to retire, I thought long and hard about finding the most authentic way to stay connected to the world of motorsports. For me, racing was always about having fun. It made me happy and created memories that will last a lifetime.”

Ricciardo, who raced for McLaren and Renault amongst different groups in F1, went on to notice how Ford’s “passion for motorsports” got here throughout during visits with company leaders and staff over time, commenting, “What excites me most is how you all continue to find ways of having fun while innovating. 

“Ford has built a proper business around motorsport and is using it to bring new technologies to your road cars. And nothing brings that to life better than the beloved Raptor.

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“Taking my bias for “American-made” and deep love for vehicles out of the equation, Raptor is changing into a world powerhouse. I’m one of hundreds of completely satisfied clients. Some of my favorite reminiscences are highway tripping behind the wheel of my Raptor, and I can’t wait so as to add to my current Raptor possession, plus meet the purchasers who’re equally keen about their automobiles.”

To conclude his letter, Ricciardo shared his pleasure in regards to the initiatives forward, suggesting he could also be in line to race for Ford down the road.

“From F1 to Dakar and from Le Mans to Bathurst, few companies have been at this for as long as you guys have. From what I have seen, we have an incredible future ahead, and I am so proud to be joining the team,” he wrote.

An avid NASCAR fan, who beforehand drove Dale Earnhardt’s 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo round Circuit of the Americas, some had hoped that Ricciardo could be the subsequent F1 star to present the Cup Series a attempt. This appeared an more and more practical proposition given Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91, which has seen Kimi Räikkönen, Shane van Gisbergen, and Helio Castroneves all compete within the Cup Series.

Of course, van Gisbergen’s attempt proved so profitable, profitable his debut in Chicago, that he has since joined the group full-time, profitable 4 races this season earlier than signing an extension.

What’s more, fellow ex-F1 stars Jenson Button and Daniil Kvyat each competed in NASCAR lately, the previous with Rick Ware Racing and the latter Team Hezeberg, exhibiting a clear pathway and willingness to present F1 stars a trip.

However, with RFK Racing, Team Penske, and Front Row Motorsports all powered by Ford, whereas the Haas Factory Team is set to change from Ford to Chevrolet in 2026, maybe Ford might but persuade Ricciardo to make a cameo.