Ford Eyes Competitive Returns for Ricciardo and Verstappen

Ford is looking beyond the Formula 1 grid to leverage the star power of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen in other racing disciplines. While Ricciardo currently serves as a global racing ambassador, Ford leadership is hopeful that his passion for off-road machinery will eventually lead him back into a competitive seat.

Why it matters:

This strategy highlights Ford's ambition to bridge the gap between elite F1 technology and its consumer-facing brands. By utilizing high-profile drivers in diverse categories—from the Baja desert to GT racing—Ford is attempting to build a comprehensive motorsport ecosystem that drives brand loyalty across both luxury performance and rugged utility segments.

The Details:

• The Ricciardo Connection: Daniel Ricciardo's bond with Ford is rooted in a genuine passion for the Raptor line, which he owned prior to his official partnership.
• Baja Ambitions: Although Ricciardo previously suggested his racing days were behind him, he has expressed a distinct "itch" for the Baja desert races. He has already gained experience behind the wheel of the M-Sport Raptor T1+, signaling a potential shift from ambassador to competitor.
• The Verstappen Pipeline: Ford is also targeting Max Verstappen for its sportscar ladder. The goal is to transition the three-time champion through a progression of Mustang GT4 and GT3 machinery, leading up to a forthcoming hypercar project.
• Strategic Alignment: While Verstappen's current GT3 ventures are associated with Mercedes, the existing Red Bull-Ford F1 partnership provides a natural synergy for a future transition into Ford's sportscar program.

What's next:

The timeline for these moves remains fluid. For Ricciardo, the transition depends on whether the lure of off-road competition outweighs his current ambassadorial duties. For Verstappen, the move will likely coincide with the debut of Ford's new hypercar, marking a significant expansion of his racing portfolio outside of Formula 1.