‘My racing days are behind me’ – Ricciardo announces new role a year on from F1 departure

Former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo’s next move has been revealed, with the eight-time Grand Prix winner becoming a Global Ambassador for the Ford Racing division.

Ricciardo has kept a low profile since losing his F1 seat following last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, only recently emerging to explain how he was going through “a bit of self-exploration” while “trying to figure out who I am” beyond racing.

On Friday, Ricciardo took to social media to confirm his new role at Ford Racing – the high-performance division of the Ford Motor Company – with a short message and video edit.

“Kicking back but always seeking the thrill,” read Ricciardo’s post. “Nothing does it better than a Ford Raptor. Proud to be the newest ambassador of Ford Racing.”

In a blog post for the Ford Racing website, Ricciardo opened up about the collaboration, saying: “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.”

He added: “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. From what I have seen, we have an incredible future ahead, and I am so proud to be joining the team.”

Ricciardo made a total of 257 starts across his F1 career, claiming three pole positions, eight victories, 32 podium finishes and more than 1,300 points – representing the HRT, Toro Rosso (later AlphaTauri/RB), Red Bull, Renault and McLaren teams.