Daniel Ricciardo hints at potential off-road racing future with Ford

Daniel Ricciardo has expressed a growing interest in off-road racing, specifically mentioning the Baja 1000, while Ford's motorsport leadership has left the door open for a potential competitive return for the former F1 driver in their programs. Since his mid-2024 exit from Formula 1, Ricciardo's role as a Ford brand ambassador has fueled speculation about his next move in motorsport.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo's openness to a new racing discipline highlights the evolving career paths for drivers after Formula 1 and underscores Ford's strategy of leveraging high-profile personalities to boost its performance brand image. A successful transition could pave the way for other ex-F1 drivers to explore premier off-road categories, while giving Ford a star competitor in key global events.

The details:

• During a Ford Raptor Rally event in Arizona, Ricciardo admitted, "The itch for Baja is there, but I've got a lot to learn," suggesting a future attempt is contingent on gaining more experience.
• He has been actively involved with Ford's off-road activities, including driving the Raptor T1+ prototype used in events like the Dakar Rally.
• Ford Global Motorsports Director Mark Rushbrook confirmed there are no immediate competition plans but emphasized Ricciardo's authentic passion for the Raptor brand, which began with a personal vehicle purchase long before their official partnership.
• The manufacturer has utilized Ricciardo extensively for promotional work at events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix and various off-road rallies, valuing his genuine enthusiasm.

What's next:

While nothing is confirmed, the mutual interest sets the stage for a possible competitive debut. Ricciardo indicated a timeline, saying to "ask me next year" after more experience. Ford's Rushbrook stated the future is "TBD," acknowledging that plans could evolve. Key events like the Baja 1000 or Australia's Finke Desert Race present logical targets if a program materializes.