Eight-time Formula 1 winner Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed that he has called time on his competitive racing career, as he takes up an ambassadorial role with Ford.
Ricciardo, whose spell with McLaren was brought to a premature end in 2022, returned to the grid in mid-2023 with Red Bull’s sister squad, then known as AlphaTauri.
But having been unable to convince Red Bull he warranted a promotion back to the seat that he had vacated in 2018, he lost his drive with six races to go last season.
Now, Ricciardo has revealed that he harbours no intention to come back to racing, but he will still be involved behind the scenes in a post with American marque Ford.
“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,” Ricciardo penned in an open letter published by Ford.
“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.
“So why now, and why me? When I decided it was time to retire, I thought long and hard about finding the most authentic way to stay connected to the world of motorsports.
“For me, racing was always about having fun. It made me happy and created memories that will last a lifetime.
“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.
“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 MORE – How Daniel Ricciardo has adapted to life outside F1 racing
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