Daniel Ricciardo racing days may be behind him, but the former F1 star is expected to return to the paddock, but not as a competitor. As an ambassador for The Blue Oval, Ricciardo will represent the Ford F1 program and its new partnership with Red Bull Racing (RBR).
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports F1, new RBR team boss Laurent Mekies said that he’s looking forward to welcoming Ricciardo to the Ford F1 collaboration. Given Ricciardo will represent The Blue Oval as a Global Ford Racing Ambassador focused on motorsport and off-roading, it won’t be a surprise to see him wandering his old stomping grounds as part of the Ford F1 program.
“It’s a great feeling [to work with Ricciardo],” Mekies said. “I think it’s one of the many examples in which we see how many connection points we have between our two companies, between the two projects. So it’s very exciting.”
He added, “I’m sure everybody will love to see Daniel back in the paddock, and we are going to perhaps have that sometimes thanks to Ford Racing.”
Ford CEO Jim Farley echoed Mekies’ statement, saying, “Daniel is a unique person we all know, but he also brings a real passion for off-road to a lot of mainstream customers who may not think about off-road.”
When he was revealed as a Ford ambassador, Ricciardo said, “I couldn’t be more excited for all the amazing drives ahead with Ford and for all the incredible projects Ford Racing has in its pipeline. From F1, to Dakar and from Le Mans to Bathurst, few companies have been at this for as long as you guys have. And from what I have seen, we have an incredible future ahead and I am so proud to be joining the team. So, here’s to the fun, the laughs and memories that lie ahead.”
Ricciardo will fit right in as a Ford F1 representative. While he hung up his helmet for good, his passion still lies with motorsport.
“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,” he said. “For me, racing was always about having fun. It made me happy and created memories that will last a lifetime.”
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