Ricciardo calls time on racing, joins Ford as Global Ambassador

40

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.”

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.”

Read also:

‘Trying to figure out who I am’: Ricciardo’s quiet life after F1

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.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.