Ricciardo Strengthens Ford Partnership Ahead of Red Bull's 2026 Launch

Daniel Ricciardo is deepening his connection with Ford through a new collaboration between his lifestyle brand, Enchanté, and Ford Racing. The announcement arrives just days before Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls are set to unveil their 2026 liveries at a special Ford event in Detroit.

Why it matters:

As Red Bull begins its highly anticipated technical partnership with Ford for the 2026 regulations, Ricciardo serves as a vital bridge between the American manufacturer and the F1 grid. His continued presence at major team events underscores the strategic importance of this alliance while keeping the popular "Honey Badger" relevant in the motorsport conversation following his retirement.

The details:

• Brand Collaboration: Ricciardo confirmed the partnership via social media, emphasizing shared values of fun and passion for motorsport. He cited fond memories of road-tripping in a Ford Raptor and praised Ford's involvement in series ranging from F1 to Dakar and Le Mans.
• Detroit Launch: The collaboration reveal precedes Thursday's season launch event in Detroit, where Red Bull will present the RB22. Ricciardo is expected to join current drivers Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, and Arvid Lindblad.
• Future Racing: While retired from F1, Ricciardo hinted at further off-road endeavors. After testing the Ford Raptor T1+, he expressed interest in the Baja 1000, stating that the "itch" for competition remains but his primary focus is enjoying the experience.

Looking Ahead:

The Detroit event marks the official public start of the Red Bull-Ford era. With Ricciardo firmly embedded in the Ford family, fans can expect to see him play a prominent role in promotional activities throughout the season, potentially expanding his racing portfolio beyond Formula 1.