Red Bull hint at Daniel Ricciardo F1 paddock return

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has hinted Daniel Ricciardo could make appearances in the F1 paddock next year.

Ricciardo took part in his last race at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix with Racing Bulls.

Earlier this month, the Australian confirmed he had retired from racing and struck a partnership with Ford Racing, becoming an ambassador for the organisation.

Red Bull is preparing for a new era next year when it launches its own power unit, which is being built in collaboration with Ford.

With Ricciardo now having a key role with Ford, Mekies suggested he may be spotted with his former Red Bull squad in the paddock on occasion next year.

“It’s a family feeling to see Daniel getting back with Ford Racing as part of this adventure, it's a great feeling,” Mekies told Sky Sports News.

“I think it’s one of the many examples in which we see how many connection points we have between our two companies, between the two projects.

“So it's very exciting. I'm sure everybody will love to see Daniel back in the paddock, and we are going to perhaps going to have that sometimes thanks to Ford Racing.”

Explaining its partnership with Ricciardo, Ford CEO Jim Farley added the eight-time grand prix winner's input will boost interest in off-road machinery.

“We want to build a global juggernaut in off-road enthusiast products,” Farley said.

“Daniel is a unique person as we all know, but he also brings a real passion for off-road to a lot of mainstream customers who may not think about off-road.

“I talk to all the drivers today, all your drivers, and they all were like, ‘can I get a Raptor R?’

“There’s something behind that. It's kind of [an] exotic fruit.”