Daniel Ricciardo has his eye on an iconic motorsport event.

Daniel Ricciardo retired from F1 in 2024 (Image: Getty)

Daniel Ricciardo has teased a future return to motorsport at the iconic Baja 1000 off-road race in Mexico. The 36-year-old has been enjoying his new role as a global ambassador for Ford Racing since retiring from F1 and full-time motorsport after his exit from the paddock in 2024.

Since leaving the grid after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo has been largely absent from the public spotlight, turning out only for the occasional sporting event and Enchante merchandise pop-up location. Now, though, in his new ambassador role with Ford, the beloved Aussie has a greater public presence.

The eight-time Grand Prix winner confirmed his retirement from full-time racing in an open letter to fans last year, but there is one event that could tempt Ricciardo back behind the wheel.

“The itch for Baja is there, but I’ve got a lot to learn,” Ricciardo teased. “A few more of these events and then ask me next year and we’ll see where I’m at! For me, it’s all about having fun. That’s always been my approach.

In my racing career, I think people related to me because they saw how much joy I brought to it, and the competitive side was almost secondary. I just wanted to enjoy it. I’m taking the same approach with this new role. It’s a completely fresh start.”

Ricciardo is enjoying his quieter retirement life (Image: Getty)

Speaking to GQ Sports, the Perth-born racer also opened up about the changes he has experienced since laying down his racing gloves and transitioning into a slower-paced way of life.

“What is next for me is really just enjoying this pace of life I’m living now,” he explained. “It took me a little while to adjust from retirement, but now I’m finding, let’s say, my pace and my happiness.

“And with Ford and being the ambassador for them, it’s a way to still stay in racing, in motorsport in the automotive world, but without the pressure that I put on myself for many years. So, that’s a nice balance that I’m very happy with.”

Ricciardo continued: “Life has changed a lot, but it’s been good. I’ve had a lot of time to myself, time to grow a beard, doing things that I didn’t really get a chance to do when I was racing and travelling so much, and that’s a lot of time with family and friends. So [I’ve] enjoyed it a lot, getting to put a lot of miles on my [Ford] Raptor.”