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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDaniel Ricciardo is a global Ford Racing ambassador. Image: Supplied <\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDaniel Ricciardo is a global Ford Racing ambassador. Image: Supplied <\/p>\n
The 36-year-old has been largely out of the spotlight since a sudden end to his F1 career when he was dropped by Racing Bulls in September of 2024.<\/p>\n
Ricciardo signed an ambassador deal with Ford 12 months later that is focused around its Raptor models, which it markets via off-road motorsport events.<\/p>\n
While Ricciardo stressed in the Ford ambassador announcement that his \u201cracing days are behind me\u201d, the Raptor link could lead to a return to action on dirt.<\/p>\n
Ricciardo attended last month\u2019s Raptor Rally festival in Arizona, where he strapped into the passenger seat of a Raptor T1+ prototype used at events such as the Dakar Rally.<\/p>\n
Ford involvement in off-road racing through Raptor models also includes events such as Mexico\u2019s Baja 1000 and Australia\u2019s Finke Desert Race.<\/p>\n
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Ricciardo rode in the passenger seat of this Raptor T1+. Image: Ford Racing<\/p>\n
\u201cThe itch for Baja is there, but I\u2019ve got a lot to learn,\u201d Ricciardo said in a Ford Q&A at the Raptor Rally.<\/p>\n
\u201cA few more of these events, and then ask me next year, and we\u2019ll see where I\u2019m at!\u201d<\/p>\n
Global Ford Racing boss Mark Rushbrook told the KTM Summer Grill that any competition plans with Ricciardo are \u201cto be decided\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, right now, he has so much passion for off-road and for Ford Raptors,\u201d said Rushbrook.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe bought a Ford Raptor long before we ever had a relationship with him that he\u2019s kept in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we first met him and he first came to Dearborn when we announced a relationship in 2023, he just wanted to drive Raptors.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then when he was out of the seat in Formula 1, and we talked about, well, what is your passion? We knew it was Raptors and it was a match that he wanted to do more there with us.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\u201cSo we had him at Raptor Rally a couple months ago, we\u2019ve had him doing a lot of other off-road stuff around F1 Las Vegas, and he\u2019s enjoying that so much.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re enjoying that time with him, and the benefit that we get from that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess, TBD, what we\u2019ll see in the future. At this point, I can say there is no plan for competition, but you never know what the future holds.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for the prospect of Ricciardo taking on the Northern Territory\u2019s Finke event, Rushbrook smiled: \u201cThat might be fun, that might be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ford\u2019s relationship with Ricciardo began through its association with Red Bull Racing, with which the Blue Oval we officially re-enter F1 in 2026.<\/p>\n
Ricciardo was Red Bull Racing\u2019s third driver when that deal was announced and drove a Gen2 Mustang Supercar at Ford HQ in Michigan as part of the tie-up.<\/a><\/p>\n While Supercars has chased Ricciardo to race in its series, there has been no suggestion of serious interest from the eight-time Grand Prix winner.<\/p>\n
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