Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal, Laurent Mekies, has revealed that Daniel Ricciardo could be seen at the Formula One paddock next year, following his new deal with Ford as a brand ambassador.
Ricciardo might have ended his premier class career in the capacity of a driver following his ousting from VCARB (now Racing Bulls) in 2024. However, his collaboration with Ford will ensure he interacts with the same team he wanted to be part of – Red Bull.
Ford has partnered with Red Bull Powertrains to develop power units for the team’s 2026 cars, which will be seen in action in around half a year, when F1 enters a new era of regulations. The American automaker’s expertise in electric vehicle technology led Red Bull to sign a deal, since 50% of the power produced by next year’s F1 cars will be from electric power.
Mekies, who worked closely with Ricciardo in Red Bull’s sister team last year, said that the Australian driver could make several appearances during Grand Prix weekends in 2026. He told Sky Sports News, as quoted by RacingNews365:
“It’s a family feeling to see Daniel getting back with Ford Racing as part of this adventure, it’s a great feeling. 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. I’m sure everybody will love to see Daniel back in the paddock, and we are going to perhaps going to have that sometimes thanks to Ford Racing.”
Ricciardo revealed that following his F1 retirement, he intended to stay connected with the world of motorsports, leading to his ambassadorial role with Ford. He said in a statement:
“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.
“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.”
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