Daniel Ricciardo Rejects F1 Punditry Rumors as "Honey Badger" Embraces Global Ambassador Role with Ford

Daniel Ricciardo confirms he has no interest in a commentary career, choosing to focus on his Ford ambassador role and personal driving projects after F1.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 11:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

Prioritizing Personal Journey Over Television

Following his retirement from Formula 1 in September 2024, Daniel Ricciardo has officially addressed the speculation surrounding a potential move into the media space. Speaking with The Athletic, Ricciardo stated that "jumping into commentating" is not part of his post-racing journey. While fans have frequently called for his charismatic presence to bolster a Sky F1 lineup that includes champions like Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg, Ricciardo expressed a desire to avoid "staying in people's spaces" just for the sake of remaining relevant. He noted that he had to push back against advice from his inner circle to immediately secure a high-profile TV role.

The Ford Partnership and a New Perspective on Driving

Since his final appearance for Racing Bulls at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo has transitioned into a global ambassador role for Ford—Red Bull's engine partner for the 2026 season. This partnership has allowed him to remain connected to the automotive world without the constant pressure of a stopwatch. Ricciardo revealed that the role has helped him "enjoy getting behind a wheel again," participating in non-racing events such as the Ford Raptor rally and exploring potential entries into off-road competitions like the Baja 1000.

Maintaining Close Paddock Ties

Despite his absence from the grid, Ricciardo remains a beloved figure among the F1 community and maintains deep personal friendships within the sport. He is a close friend of Sky F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham, who is making her own return to the paddock at Suzuka this weekend following major surgery. Pinkham, who is the godmother to Ricciardo’s son, Wilf, recently shared anecdotes of taking the Australian to Premier League football matches, noting that while the paddock feels "very different" without him, he remains a central part of her extended "racing family."