Ricciardo Feels 'The Itch' for Racing Return, Eyes Baja 1000
After retiring from F1, Daniel Ricciardo hints at a racing return, feeling "the itch" for off-road competition like the Baja 1000 following a recent Ford rally event.
Fresh off his Formula 1 retirement, Daniel Ricciardo is already feeling the competitive itch again, but not for a return to the grid. After a thrilling experience at the Ford Raptor Rally, the popular Australian is strongly considering a future in off-road racing, with the legendary Baja 1000 emerging as a potential target. This marks a new, dusty chapter for a driver whose career has been defined by speed and a love for competition.
Why it matters:
Ricciardo's potential pivot to off-road racing matters because it signals that his competitive fire and passion for driving remain undiminished after leaving F1. For a driver beloved for his joyous approach to the sport, seeing him channel that energy into a new challenge like the Baja 1000 keeps a fan favorite in the motorsport spotlight and offers an exciting new narrative for his post-F1 career.
The details:
- Ricciardo recently participated in Ford's Raptor Rally in Arizona, driving a T1+ truck and experiencing high-speed desert jumps.
- He admitted the adrenaline rush was immense, stating the jump was "incredible" and giving him "the fright of my life," comparing it favorably to the thrill of Monaco.
- The experience sparked his interest in the Baja 1000, a grueling 1000-mile desert endurance race. "The itch for Baja is there, but I’ve got a lot to learn," he said.
- This new direction comes as part of his role as a Global Racing Ambassador for Ford, allowing him to explore different forms of motorsport.
- Ricciardo emphasized his core philosophy remains the same: "For me, it’s all about having fun... I’m taking the same approach with this new role."
What's next:
Ricciardo is taking a measured approach, acknowledging he needs more experience before committing to a race as demanding as the Baja 1000. He plans to participate in more off-road events over the coming year to build his skills. If his past career is any indication, a Ricciardo-led off-road campaign would be anything but dull, promising spectacular sideways action and the same infectious enthusiasm that made him an F1 fan favorite.