Daniel Ricciardo: Any return to racing would be purely for fun

Daniel Ricciardo has made it clear that any potential return to motorsport would be purely for the love of driving, not for titles or trophies. The eight-time Grand Prix winner, who retired from Formula 1 after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, has settled into life away from racing but refuses to rule out a comeback entirely.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo’s stance signals a shift in mindset from his competitive F1 days, prioritizing joy over pressure. His comments come as fans wonder if he’ll ever return, but his focus on fun suggests he may take on lower-stakes series like GT or endurance rather than top-tier single-seaters.

What he said:

• Speaking on the Speed Street podcast, Ricciardo admitted he gets asked less about a comeback now, but said “never say never.”
• He emphasized that any future racing would be “definitely more from a fun aspect than … chasing some championship.”
• He will attend the Indianapolis 500 as a fan this month but ruled out competing, calling it “scary.”
• He now enjoys the small things in life and not being on stage all the time.

What's next:

Currently an ambassador for Ford Racing, Ricciardo is focused on business and personal enjoyment. A return to racing remains uncertain, but if it happens, expect him in a fun, low-pressure category like NASCAR or historic racing.