Daniel Ricciardo might make a return to the F1 paddock as a visitor, Crimson Bull group principal Laurent Mekies has hinted.
Eight-time grand prix winner Ricciardo confirmed he has retired from racing for good earlier this month in an open letter which additionally revealed he’s taking on a brand new function as an envoy for Ford Racing.
The 36-year-old Australian had frequently been linked with a attainable full-time F1 comeback ever since shedding his drive final season, however these hopes have been extinguished following his choice to name time on his racing days.
Nonetheless, Ricciardo might but return to the F1 paddock now that he’s partnering with the American producer because it enters F1 in collaboration together with his previous group Crimson Bull from 2026.
That could be a state of affairs new Crimson Bull chief Mekies didn’t rule out when chatting with Sky Sports activities F1 on the Italian Grand Prix.
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“It’s a household feeling to see Daniel getting again with Ford Racing as a part of this journey,” Mekies mentioned of Ricciardo’s new enterprise.
“It’s an awesome feeling. It’s one of many many examples by which we see what number of connection factors we’ve got between our two firms, between the 2 initiatives.
“I’m certain all people will like to see Daniel again within the paddock and we’re maybe going to have that someday due to Ford Racing.”
Daniel Ricciardo’s open letter in full
Ricciardo, who was dropped by Crimson Bull’s sister group Racing Bulls after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, shared his information in an open letter days earlier than the Italian Grand Prix.
“I needed to jot down you all a fast word to coincide with some thrilling information,” Ricciardo wrote. “Whereas my racing days are behind me, my love for something with wheels will at all times stay excessive and for that I’m proud to be partnering with Ford to turn into a worldwide Ford Racing ambassador.
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“I’m going to be working intently with the Ford Racing group and particularly give attention to the superb Raptor model and life-style that Raptor has turn into for a lot of of Ford’s prospects.
“So why now and why me? Once I determined it was time to retire, I assumed lengthy and arduous about discovering essentially the most genuine approach to keep related to the world of motorsports. For me, racing was at all times about having enjoyable. It made me comfortable and created reminiscences that can final a lifetime.
“I used to be considering again to my core reminiscences with Ford. First, after I bought a Raptor again in 2017 earlier than I even owned a house within the US. Priorities, am I proper? Then, shortly after Ford introduced it was partnering with Oracle Crimson Bull Racing, I came visiting to Dearborn and met senior leaders like Jim Farley (we had a ton of enjoyable and a variety of laughs) but in addition had the possibility to peek behind the scenes and see what was taking place inside your design division. Rattling spectacular.
“I then visited the group in Cologne later that summer season and had a good time assembly staff, watching a dwell crash check and answering questions in a city corridor.
“All through all these events, Ford and its worker’s ardour for motorsports was very obvious. However what excites me most is the way you all proceed to search out methods of getting enjoyable whereas innovating. Ford has constructed a correct enterprise round motorsport and is utilizing it to deliver new applied sciences to your highway automobiles. And nothing brings that to life higher than the beloved, Raptor.
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“Taking my bias for ‘American-made’ and deep love for vans out of the equation, Raptor is turning into a worldwide powerhouse. I’m considered one of 1000’s of comfortable prospects. A few of my favorite reminiscences are highway tripping behind the wheel of my Raptor and I can’t wait so as to add to my present Raptor possession, plus meet the shoppers who’re equally keen about their automobiles.
“I couldn’t be extra excited for all of the superb drives forward with Ford and for all of the unbelievable initiatives Ford Racing has in its pipeline. From F1, to Dakar and from Le Mans to Bathurst, few firms have been at this for so long as you guys have. And from what I’ve seen, we’ve got an unbelievable future forward and I’m so proud to be becoming a member of the group.”
