Daniel Ricciardo spent many years as a Red Bull driver in Formula 1 across two separate spells but lost his place on the grid in 2024 after failing to impress in his second chance with sister squad Racing Bulls
Daniel Ricciardo, a firm favourite among Formula 1 fans, is set to make a one-off return. The Australian has largely kept a low profile since his departure from Red Bull towards the end of the 2024 season, opting to spend time with loved ones and enjoy a break from the demanding motorsport schedule.
Ricciardo’s most notable public appearance since leaving F1 was last year when he was unveiled as an ambassador for Ford Racing. His global fan base, coupled with his particular popularity in the USA, makes him an attractive figure for the car manufacturer.
This relationship was further cemented by Ford’s F1 engine partnership with both Red Bull F1 teams. And it is through that agreement that retired racer Ricciardo looks set to appear on stage with former Red Bull colleagues once again.
This Thursday night in Detroit, Michigan, Red Bull and Racing Bulls will be the first two teams to unveil their 2026 car liveries. The event, taking place in the home city of the Ford Motor Company, will feature Ricciardo and another yet-to-be-named “surprise special guest”.
Ford Racing announced: “The livestream will be split into two parts. The first will be focused on Ford Racing team and program announcements for 2026. A surprise special guest will act as our host for the evening, joined by familiar Ford faces on the stage including CEO of Ford Motor Company Jim Farley, global director of Ford Racing Mark Rushbrook and executive chair of Ford Motor Company, Bill Ford.
“An exciting lineup of drivers will also join the stage including Bailey Campbell, Joey Logano, Josh Berry, Chris Buescher, Logan Sargeant, Mike Rockenfeller, Sebastian Priaulx, Ryan Blaney with a special appearance from Ford ambassador Daniel Ricciardo and Ford chief program engineer Arie Groeneveld.”
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The second part of the evening kicks off in the small hours UK time, when both new car liveries will finally be unveiled. Max Verstappen and his fresh team-mate Isack Hadjar will appear alongside Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies to showcase their fresh look, whilst sister outfit Racing Bulls will have boss Alan Permane on hand, joined by drivers Liam Lawson and F1 newcomer Arvid Lindblad.
There’s plenty of speculation about what Red Bull will bring to the table in 2026, marking the debut season where both squads will compete with engines designed and manufactured entirely in-house. Previous power unit partner Honda has since partnered with Aston Martin, leaving Red Bull Powertrains to forge ahead with engine development supported by Ford Racing.
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Given that it’s Red Bull’s maiden venture, many have speculated they might lag behind in 2026, despite having lured numerous seasoned engine designers from competitors.
However, paddock whispers indicate that Red Bull and Mercedes may be the only teams to have discovered a loophole in the new regulations, potentially giving them an early advantage in the upcoming season.
