Source – Formula1.com
Following his dismissal from Formula 1, Daniel Ricciardo has been photographed with a “new team.”
Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from Formula 1 has left fans and analysts alike speculating about what the future holds for the beloved Aussie driver. Known for his infectious personality and cheeky grin, Ricciardo was dropped from his role at Visa Cash App RB after the Singapore Grand Prix, with rising star Liam Lawson stepping in to replace him for the remainder of the 2024 season. Ricciardo, who had once been tipped to take over from Sergio Perez at Red Bull, saw his hopes dashed as his performance failed to eclipse that of his AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda. While many expected Ricciardo to comfortably outperform the young Japanese driver, Tsunoda’s consistent results throughout the season ultimately earned him a contract extension with Red Bull for the 2025 season, leaving Ricciardo’s future in the sport uncertain.
For the 35-year-old Australian, who had previously enjoyed stints with teams like Red Bull, Renault, and McLaren, this latest career twist is one of the most significant. With the rise of younger talent and the fast pace of Formula 1, questions have been swirling about what Ricciardo’s next move might be. However, one thing is clear—his appeal in the world of motorsport hasn’t diminished. In fact, Ricciardo’s charisma and magnetic personality have made him a fan favorite, especially among the growing U.S. audience that discovered him through Netflix’s hit docu-series *Drive to Survive*. His open, easy-going nature and witty banter with fellow drivers made him a key figure in expanding Formula 1’s reach beyond its traditional fan base.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, recently hinted that Ricciardo’s next chapter could involve media work. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, Ricciardo has already proven he has a flair for entertainment. In addition to co-producing the F1 comedy series *Downforce*, he could easily transition into a role as a media personality, leveraging his popularity to continue engaging with motorsport fans in a different capacity. Horner’s suggestion aligns with Ricciardo’s growing interest in the entertainment side of the sport, and fans are eager to see where he might pop up next.
But while Ricciardo’s media potential remains high, rumors have also been swirling about a potential return to competitive racing—just not necessarily in Formula 1. His connection with American motorsport has led to speculation that he could join NASCAR, a move that would further solidify his appeal in the U.S. market. Others have floated the idea of Ricciardo returning to his home country of Australia to compete in the Supercars Championship, a move that would allow him to stay close to his roots while remaining active in the world of racing. Both options seem plausible, especially given Ricciardo’s enduring love for racing and his desire to keep the adrenaline flowing.
However, it’s not just racing and media work that have been on Ricciardo’s radar. In recent weeks, fans have noticed him making headlines for his involvement with a new “team” altogether—though it’s not what most might have expected. Ricciardo was recently spotted with the crew from the *Gypsy Tales* podcast, a popular motocross podcast that shares his love for two-wheeled adventures. Videos circulating on social media show Ricciardo dressed in racing gear and preparing to hop on a motocross bike, smiling and joking with the team. The footage has sparked a frenzy of speculation, with some fans wondering if Ricciardo is gearing up for a new chapter in motocross, a passion he has enjoyed alongside his F1 career.
Further fueling the rumors, American motocross racer Adam Cianciarulo posted a photo on Instagram with Ricciardo, both decked out in racing suits. “Rode pit bikes for 8 hours yesterday, and it was glorious,” Cianciarulo captioned the photo, hinting that Ricciardo may be considering spending more time on dirt tracks in the near future. The sight of Ricciardo in motocross gear has stirred excitement among his fans, many of whom are eager to see the F1 star explore new ventures in the world of motorsport.
Whether it’s racing, media, or motocross, one thing is certain: Daniel Ricciardo’s journey is far from over. His fans remain loyal, and his ability to captivate audiences, both on and off the track, ensures that his next steps will be followed closely. For now, Ricciardo seems to be embracing the freedom of his post-F1 life, exploring different avenues and having fun along the way. Though he may no longer be chasing podiums in Formula 1, the Aussie star has plenty of other opportunities on the horizon, and knowing Ricciardo, he’ll make sure to enjoy every moment of the ride.
