Ricciardo Spotted at Premier League Match During Brazil GP

While the Formula 1 circus was in Brazil for the São Paulo Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo was spotted far from the track, enjoying a Premier League football match in London. This comes as his former teammate Sebastian Vettel made an appearance at Interlagos, highlighting Ricciardo's shift in focus since stepping away from full-time F1 racing.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo's public appearance at a football match during an F1 race weekend underscores his transition away from the intense demands of Formula 1. It provides a visible contrast to his past role as a competitor and offers a glimpse into his post-F1 life, emphasizing his commitment to his new ambassadorial role rather than active racing.

The Details:

• Ricciardo was seen attending the Premier League match between Brentford and Newcastle United in London. This took place the Sunday prior to the São Paulo Grand Prix, while other F1 personalities, like Sebastian Vettel, were present at Interlagos.
• Sky Sports cameras caught Ricciardo in the stands during the match, which saw Brentford stage a comeback to win 3-1 after Newcastle had initially taken the lead.
• Ricciardo departed Formula 1 after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, having been replaced by Liam Lawson at VCARB.
• Since his F1 exit, he has not competed in any other racing series but has taken on a significant role as a Global Ford Racing Ambassador.
• In September, Ricciardo publicly stated his continued 'love for anything with wheels' and his pride in partnering with Ford. He expressed a desire to stay connected to motorsports in an authentic way, emphasizing that racing was always about fun and creating lasting memories for him.

Between the lines:

Ricciardo's decision to attend a Premier League match rather than an F1 event, especially while other former drivers like Vettel are engaging with the sport, subtly reinforces his new direction. It suggests a deliberate move to detach from the immediate F1 paddock spotlight, allowing him to define his post-racing identity on his own terms through new ventures like his Ford ambassadorship. This pivot aligns with his stated desire to remain connected to motorsport in a way that prioritizes enjoyment and authenticity.

What's next:

While Ricciardo's full-time racing days are behind him, his ambassadorial role with Ford is expected to keep him involved in the broader motorsports world. This includes potential appearances at various racing events or promotional activities, allowing him to maintain a connection with the sport and its fans from a different vantage point.