Ricciardo Hints at Baja 1000 Return, Says 'Itch Is There'
After retiring from F1, Daniel Ricciardo is teasing a potential return to competition in the Baja 1000 off-road race. The Ford ambassador says the 'itch is there' following a thrilling experience at a recent desert rally event.
Daniel Ricciardo, months after retiring from Formula 1, is teasing a potential return to competitive motorsport—not on the tarmac, but in the desert. The eight-time Grand Prix winner, now a Ford ambassador, revealed that his recent experience at the Raptor Rally has sparked an interest in tackling the legendary Baja 1000.
Why it matters:
Ricciardo remains one of F1's most popular drivers, known for his infectious joy and personality. His potential move to off-road racing keeps a beloved figure in the motorsport spotlight and aligns perfectly with his new role at Ford, a company set to become a major player in F1 starting in 2026. It signals that his competitive fire hasn't been extinguished, merely redirected.
The details:
- New Role: Ricciardo officially retired from F1 in September and became a global racing ambassador for Ford, which is partnering with Red Bull for the 2026 power unit regulations.
- Desert Debut: He recently participated in the Ford Raptor Rally in Lake Havasu, Arizona, driving a T1+ truck through high-speed desert runs and over rally-style jumps.
- The 'Itch': When asked about a potential Baja 1000 entry, Ricciardo was enthusiastic, telling Ford, "The itch for Baja is there, but I’ve got a lot to learn. A few more of these events and then ask me next year and we’ll see where I’m at!"
- Fun First Approach: The Australian emphasized that his primary motivation is enjoyment, a trait he believes fans connected with during his F1 career. "For me, it’s all about having fun. That’s always been my approach," he stated.
What's next:
Ricciardo is taking a measured approach to his off-road ambitions, acknowledging the steep learning curve of an event as demanding as the Baja 1000. He is not committing just yet, suggesting a more concrete decision could come next year after gaining more experience. In the meantime, he is also channeling his energy into developing young talent through a new Ginetta Junior Scholarship initiative, helping to fund and guide the next generation of racers.