Former Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo partners with Ford Racing to promote the Raptor lineup and expand the brand’s off-road presence.
Daniel Ricciardo, one of Formula One’s most recognizable personalities, is taking on a new role outside the grid. Ford announced Friday that the 35-year-old Australian will become a global ambassador for the newly renamed Ford Racing, shifting his focus from open-wheel racing to the company’s off-road portfolio.
The move comes shortly after Ricciardo listed his Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar for auction and arrives as Ford continues to emphasize its Raptor nameplate. Ford executives have framed the Raptor series as central to the company’s goal of becoming the “Porsche of off-road,” with the automaker investing heavily in trucks and SUVs that blend performance with rugged capability.
More around the corner… pic.twitter.com/Rg0szD9Q9K
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) September 4, 2025
Although Ricciardo is best known for his eight Formula One wins and more than a decade of top-level competition, Ford officials say his role will not involve their upcoming Red Bull Racing partnership in Formula One. Instead, Ricciardo will focus on promoting the Raptor lineup globally, from the Bronco Raptor to the F-150 Raptor R.
In a letter shared by Ford, Ricciardo explained his connection to the brand. He noted that his first Raptor purchase came in 2017, before he had even bought a home in the United States, and that the trucks have been a constant presence in his garage ever since. The partnership, he wrote, allows him to combine his “deep love for trucks” with a way to remain tied to motorsports after stepping back from full-time Formula One competition.
Ford Racing general manager Will Ford emphasized that Ricciardo’s involvement is about authenticity. “This is not a marketing exercise,” he said. “Daniel brings credibility and passion, and we’re excited to connect our racing and off-road worlds through him.”
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