Daniel Ricciardo leaves door open for racing return

Daniel Ricciardo has not ruled out a return to racing, despite having retired from motorsport after being unceremoniously dropped by Racing Bulls midway through the 2024 F1 season.

The Australian losing his drive to Liam Lawson shocked the paddock, given the abrupt nature of the move and the success he attained during his career, primarily with Red Bull's main team.

Now a global ambassador for Ford Racing, the eight-time grand prix winner would be readily welcomed by most championships around the world and has previously been linked to series such as Australian Supercars, NASCAR and IndyCar.

For a while after he stepped away from F1, the 36-year-old was not short of suitors and would be routinely asked to race. However, he claims that it is happening more infrequently now.

"I'm getting asked a little less of late, because I think I probably told enough people," Ricciardo said on the Speed Street podcast.

"I just want to be mature enough, and I don't want to be black and white, because never say never.

"I’m really enjoying not competing where I currently sit, and just enjoying the small things in life, and not having to kind of be on a stage and all that."

Rebuilding a healthy relationship

Ricciardo explained that if he were coaxed back into racing, it would purely be for the love of it, and not to compete for titles.

"Do I know what I'll feel in three years, five years? No, but I know right now," he added. "If I were to do something maybe one day, it would definitely be more from a fun aspect than, like, ‘I’m chasing some championship’ aspect.

"I don't need to hold a trophy in something. I don't need this for myself. Sometimes that can take the enjoyment out of racing.

"It's a balance, because you want to have goals, and that's obviously what gives you that purpose in the morning. To wake up and push yourself and get in the gym and all that.

"But sometimes that can also rob some of the joy. I just want to make sure if I were to ever do something again, it's just joyful, and I don't have to prove anything or try to be the best. I just want to have some fun with it."

After leaving F1, Ricciardo spent some time out of the spotlight and away from motorsport more generally, but now he feels comfortable visiting paddocks without the glare or weight of expectation.

"At the end of my career, I was like, 'Why do I love it?' And I just wanted to remove myself for a bit," he said. "But I think going to other races, I don't know, kind of rebuilt a healthy relationship with it."