Daniel Ricciardo Embraces Retirement, Cites End of 'Gruelling Neck Training'

Daniel Ricciardo, a fan-favorite and former F1 driver, recently expressed his relief at no longer having to endure the intense neck training required for Formula 1. His comments came during a casual fan interaction, where he also firmly ruled out any potential return to the sport, cementing his new chapter as a global ambassador for Ford Racing.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo's candid remarks offer a glimpse into the physical demands placed on F1 drivers and highlight a rarely discussed aspect of their rigorous preparation. His definitive stance on retirement, paired with his new role, marks a significant transition for one of F1's most charismatic personalities.

The Details:

• Retirement Confirmation: During a WhatsApp group watch-along with fans for the United States GP, Ricciardo explicitly dismissed the idea of an F1 comeback.
• Physical Demands: He humorously cited the lack of neck strength as a key reason, stating, "My neck ain’t so strong anymore, haha." He added, "No more neck training, thank the lord, haha, I hated that part."
• Circuit Specifics: Ricciardo specifically referenced the first sector of the Austin track, known for its high-G forces, as particularly demanding on the neck.
• New Role with Ford: Ricciardo officially transitioned into a global ambassador role for Ford Racing. He announced this new partnership previously, stating, "While my racing days are behind me, my love for anything with wheels will always remain high. For that, I am proud to be partnering with Ford to become a Global Ford Racing Ambassador."
• Current Activities: Since his last F1 race at the 2024 Singapore GP, Ricciardo has maintained a relatively low profile but made an appearance at the United States GP weekend in Austin.

What's next:

Ricciardo's focus will now be entirely on his ambassadorial duties with Ford Racing, leveraging his popularity and expertise in the motorsport world outside of competitive F1 driving. While fans may miss his presence on the grid, his continued involvement in motorsport through this new capacity will keep him connected to the racing world he loves.