Daniel Ricciardo announces his next move

Former Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo has announced his next move in motorsport, where he will join Ford as a global racing ambassador.

This move comes as the American manufacturer enters F1 next season in a power unit partnership with Red Bull Racing, one of Ricciardo’s former teams.

The announcement included a lengthy message from Ricciardo, outlining why the driver is making this move.

“I wanted to write you all a quick note to coincide with some exciting news. 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,” wrote Ricciardo. “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.”

Ricciardo then set forth what has impressed him about Ford, and the Raptor.

”Throughout all these occasions, Ford and its employee’s passion for motorsports was very apparent. But 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,” continued Ricciardo.

”Taking my bias for ‘American-made’ and deep love for trucks out of the equation, Raptor is becoming a global powerhouse. I’m one of thousands of happy customers. Some of my favourite memories are road tripping behind the wheel of my Raptor and I can’t wait to add to my existing Raptor ownership, plus meet the customers who are equally passionate about their vehicles.

“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.”

Ricciardo left F1 midway through the 2024 season, when he was driving for Red Bull’s junior team, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team (now Visa Cash App Racing Bulls). His final race came at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, after which he was replaced by Liam Lawson.

Over his F1 career, Ricciardo won eight races, with his last win coming at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix while he was driving for McLaren.