Eight-time Formula 1 race winner Daniel Ricciardo has officially drawn a line under his competitive career, confirming that he will now step into a new role as Global Ambassador for Ford’s high-performance Racing division.
The Australian, who last raced in F1 at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, had been keeping a low profile while weighing up life after motorsport.
On Friday, the sport’s former ‘honey badger’, known for his mega-watt smile and daring overtakes, finally revealed his next move, embracing what he described as a fresh chapter away from the grid but still firmly tied to the thrill of performance machines.
Ricciardo made the announcement on social media with a typically cheeky flair, posting a video edit alongside the message:
“Kicking back but always seeking the thrill. Nothing does it better than a Ford Raptor. Proud to be the newest ambassador of Ford Racing.”
The role will see him front campaigns and projects across Ford’s global Racing activities, with a particular emphasis on the Raptor brand and lifestyle.
“My racing days are behind me”
In a blog post for Ford Racing, Ricciardo expanded on why this partnership felt like the right fit.
“While my racing days are behind me, my love for anything with wheels will always remain high, and for that I am proud to be partnering with Ford to become a Global Ford Racing Ambassador.
“I am going to be working closely with the Ford Racing team and specifically focus on the amazing Raptor brand and lifestyle that Raptor has become for many of Ford's customers.”
Kicking back but always seeking the thrill. Nothing does it better than a Ford Raptor. Proud to be the newest ambassador of @FordRacing pic.twitter.com/QqJJTxXeuB
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) September 5, 2025
The Perth-born star, whose career spanned 257 Grands Prix and included 32 podiums, was brimming with enthusiasm about what lies ahead.
“I couldn’t be more excited for all the amazing drives ahead with Ford and for all the incredible projects Ford Racing has in its pipeline,” he added.
“From F1 to Dakar and from Le Mans to Bathurst, few companies have been at this for as long as you guys have. From what I have seen, we have an incredible future ahead, and I am so proud to be joining the team.”
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Ricciardo bows out of top-level competition with an impressive CV: 257 starts, eight victories, three pole positions, and more than 1,300 career points across stints with HRT, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault and McLaren.
Now, instead of chasing chequered flags, he will be spearheading Ford’s Racing image — swapping the cockpit for the role of global frontman, but keeping the passion for speed alive in a new way.
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