Daniel Ricciardo Confirmed as Ford Global Racing Ambassador, Focusing on Raptor Brand

Daniel Ricciardo, former Formula 1 star, has officially joined Ford Motor Company as a global Ford Racing ambassador. This strategic partnership sees the Australian aligning with the American manufacturer as it prepares to enter Formula 1 in collaboration with Red Bull. Ricciardo will specifically focus on promoting the acclaimed Raptor brand and its lifestyle.

Why it matters:

• This move confirms Ricciardo's post-F1 career path after leaving Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls, in 2024.
• It strengthens Ford's connection to motorsport, leveraging a popular F1 personality as it builds its F1 program.
• The partnership highlights Ford's commitment to its high-performance off-road Raptor line, utilizing Ricciardo's genuine passion for the brand.

The details:

• Ricciardo has been a dedicated Raptor owner since 2017, acquiring his first Raptor pick-up before even owning a home in the U.S., a testament to his enthusiasm.
• In his announcement, Ricciardo expressed enduring love for vehicles, stating his pride in partnering with Ford to become a global Ford Racing ambassador.
• He will work closely with the Ford Racing team, emphasizing the Raptor brand, which includes the F-150 Raptor, Ranger Raptor, and Bronco Raptor – all known for high-performance and off-road capabilities.
• Ricciardo recalled core memories with Ford, including visiting Dearborn to meet senior leaders like Jim Farley and seeing the design department, as well as visiting the team in Cologne.

What's next:

Ricciardo is set to engage in various projects with Ford Racing, spanning from F1 to Dakar, Le Mans, and Bathurst. He expressed excitement for future drives and projects, eager to meet fellow Raptor enthusiasts and contribute to Ford's enduring legacy in motorsport and innovation.