Daniel Ricciardo leaves door open for racing return

Daniel Ricciardo has not closed the door on a return to racing, despite walking away from Formula 1 after being dropped by Racing Bulls in mid-2024. Now a global ambassador for Ford, the eight-time grand prix winner says any future comeback would be driven purely by enjoyment, not ambition.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo's permanent exit from F1 at age 36 seemed sudden, given his past success with Red Bull. But as he rebuilds a healthy relationship with motorsport, his potential return to other series—like Supercars, NASCAR, or IndyCar—could inject star power into any championship that lands him.

The details:

• Ricciardo says the number of offers has slowed because he's told enough people he's not interested right now.
• “I just want to be mature enough, and I don't want to be black and white, because never say never,” he told the Speed Street podcast.
• “I’m really enjoying not competing where I currently sit, and just enjoying the small things in life.”
• If he returns, it would be “from a fun aspect” rather than chasing titles. “I don't need to hold a trophy… I just want to have some fun with it.”
• After leaving F1, he stepped away from motorsport entirely before attending other races, which helped rebuild his love for the sport.

What's next:

Ricciardo has no immediate plans to race, but his role with Ford keeps him connected to motorsport. If a low-pressure opportunity arises—perhaps in endurance racing or a one-off appearance—he might be tempted. For now, he's content being out of the spotlight.