Daniel Ricciardo Takes Flight in Ford Raptor Rally Debut

Daniel Ricciardo has officially traded the tarmac of Formula 1 for the sand dunes of Arizona. The former F1 driver, now a brand ambassador for Ford, recently participated in the high-octane Raptor Rally, getting behind the wheel of an F-150 Raptor. He even managed to get the truck airborne, embracing a new chapter of his motorsport life away from the grand prix grid.

Why it matters:

This isn't just a weekend hobby for Ricciardo; it's his first major public engagement as a Ford ambassador. His involvement with the American automaker is significant, especially as Ford prepares to enter Formula 1 as a power unit supplier for Red Bull in 2026. It keeps the popular 'Honey Badger' connected to the racing world while he explores new avenues outside of F1's competitive cockpit.

The details:

• The Event: Ricciardo took part in the official Raptor Rally, an off-road event held in Lake Havasu, Arizona, designed to showcase the capabilities of Ford's trucks.
• The Action: The eight-time Grand Prix winner tackled several sand challenges, famously getting the F-150 Raptor airborne. He also rode as a passenger with professional off-road drivers, an experience he admitted was both "scary" and "really fun."
• The Vibe: Ricciardo praised the strong sense of community at the event, stating, "what’s made Raptor special is the people." He highlighted that this was a completely new type of motorsport experience for him.

What's next:

While Ricciardo has closed the door on a return to Formula 1 racing, his partnership with Ford suggests he will remain a prominent figure in the motorsport world. Fans can expect to see more of the Australian driver in this new ambassadorial capacity, bridging the gap between the F1 paddock and Ford's broader motorsport portfolio as they build towards their 2026 F1 entry.