Danial Ricciardo contact confirmed over possible Formula E switch

Fortescue Zero Racing has confirmed that contact was made with Daniel Ricciardo, though the Australian gave no indication he is ready to return to competitive racing.

The admission came from team principal Jim Wright and Fortescue founder Dr Andrew Forrest at the outfit's official launch in London on Friday evening, where Fortescue Zero Racing unveiled its black and neon green livery as the first Australian-owned team in Formula E. 

Fortescue acquired Penske Autosport in September to form the new entry, which will run customer Jaguar Gen4 powertrains from the 2026-27 season.

Ricciardo has not raced since his final Formula 1 start at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, with Racing Bulls cutting ties that September. He confirmed his full retirement from motor racing a year later, in September 2025, as he took up an ambassadorial role with Ford.

Formula E Notebook had reported that an approach was made, with Wright confirming there was nothing more.

"I certainly didn't have any talks, but I think there was a reach-out to him, and I think the message came back: look, he's not contemplating reviving his racing career at the moment," Wright told RacingNews365 during an interview.

"He's busy doing lots of other things, which he seems to be enjoying, so I don't think we ever wanted to be in a position where we're trying to convince someone to drive. But yeah, great driver, and if he ever comes back to racing, you know, we definitely have a conversation."

Asked the same question during a roundtable including RacingNews365, Forrest downplayed any formal approach.

"Look, I think of Ricciardo more as an Aussie mate," he said. "I haven't reached out to him apart from on the way here. 

"I said, 'Oh my God, Daniel Ricciardo!' Give him a yell and just tell him what we're doing. But that's it. That's been my only reach-out. But that's as a mate."

Fortescue might not have one Dan, but it does have another

While Fortescue does not have Ricciardo, it does have another former Red Bull driver in Dan Ticktum who was part of the Austrian outfit's junior programme. 

Ticktum joins from Cupra Kiro, with Forrest a real fan of what the British driver brings to the new outfit.

"Look, I'm delighted to be the first Australian-owned team in Formula E," added Forrest. "However, we've got another Dan, Dan Ticktum, who I reckon is a little weapon. 

"He's got the humility, he's got the drive, he's had a few scrapes. He's very, very talented. He's clocked up, I think, the fifth-fastest time in the world at Goodwood. So, look, instead of looking over the horizon, I want to back the people that we have."

The second seat remains unresolved. Taylor Barnard, announced in October as the team's other signing, boycotted the London launch amid a legal dispute initiated by his management to void his contract so he can pursue a move to Fusion Formula E. 

Fortescue maintains Barnard remains legally bound to the team, with FIA Formula E's general provisions requiring the squad's consent for any transfer between nominated entries.