Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 future has been put under the microscope as rumors have ramped up about a potential mid-season replacement with Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, the Australian driver hinted at an exciting shift to NASCAR. He explained, as quoted by Motorsport.com:
“I grew up a fan of NASCAR.
“I’d like to drive a NASCAR, I’d love to drive around Daytona for example. But would I like to compete? Yes and no.
Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Busch Light Chevrolet, and Michael McDowell, driver of the #34 Benebone Ford, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on September 15, 2024 in Watkins Glen, New York. Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed an interest in NASCAR.
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
“I know it’s not what I grew up doing and I’ll probably get smoked. [So] I don’t know if I need that [but] I would love to experience it.”
Ricciardo’s enthusiasm for NASCAR isn’t newfound; he drove Dale Earnhardt’s 1984 Monte Carlo Chevrolet during the US Grand Prix in 2021, earning the admiration of Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself. However, NASCAR isn’t the only alternate racing ambition on his radar.
The eight-time Grand Prix winner has also shown an interest in MotoGP. He continued:
“I love motorbikes … but I would be very, very slow and probably horrendous.
“Obviously it’s the V8 that do the race there, but you know there’s the 12 hour and stuff so maybe that’s one I could compete in. If a V8 team said ‘hey, do you want to do a few laps around Bathurst, no pressure, just to experience it,’ then I’ll definitely take that up.”
Beyond racing, Ricciardo has given thought to his life after competitive motorsport.
“I could genuinely see myself retiring in Margaret River one day. I just love the way of life … It’s a breath of fresh air, everything slows down.
“I think everyone is just so connected down there to the place, to the land … everyone just feels so free and happy. The way of life there is just my vision of retirement.”
Addressing the rumors of a potential mid-season exit, Ricciardo also commented to Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Singapore GP:
“I know how it is and how it works, and I knew there was always going to be some dates and deadlines this year, whether it was summer break or now post-Singapore, so post-Singapore is the next one.
“Honestly, it’s still, so many things are up in the air. Let’s see how the weekend goes. Obviously, I’m going to give it all I can, as I have. There’s always something to fight for. We’ll see what happens. Try to get the thing on the podium, that’s my plan.”
When asked if this could be his last Grand Prix, Ricciardo responded:
“I don’t think so. But I also don’t want to start here and be the lawyer.
“I would say no, but also we know how the sport works. So, I don’t want to say ‘100 per cent I will bet all my house on it’. I’ve been around for too long.
“What’s crazy about the sport is if I go and get a podium this weekend then I’m probably the hottest thing in the sport.
“That’s the kind of the merry go round we’re on and I know it can change so quickly. So look, I’m aware that things are hotting up, so to speak, but I just have to try and get my head down this weekend.”
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