Daniel Ricciardo back in Austin? Red Bull’s new project and a race weekend that feels like home
Formula 1 - Daniel Ricciardo (Alpha Tauri) - GP of Belgium - Sunday - 30.07.2023© Copyright: Georgi Todorov / LAP.bg / imageslap@gmail.com / +359879111120Formula 1 - Daniel Ricciardo (Alpha Tauri) - GP of Belgium - Sunday - 30.07.2023© Copyright: Georgi Todorov / LAP.bg / imageslap@gmail.com / +359879111120
Daniel Ricciardo could return to the Formula 1 paddock for the United States Grand Prix — though not as a driver, at least for now. On October 12, Red Bull announced a new project with Ricciardo focused on America’s motorsport communities. He will travel around the country, meet the people behind different racing disciplines and tell their stories. It is a media adventure, not an announced return to a racing seat.
Speculation picked up after a joint post from Ricciardo and Red Bull USA: “we’ve got some catching up to do”. Max Verstappen reacted with emojis, sending fans into overdrive. The message hints at a reunion and more content, but it does not confirm a specific role for Ricciardo in the Red Bull garage.
Oracle Red Bull Racing then added a cowboy-themed Austin teaser with the caption “Something’s ridin’ into town”:
Why Austin looks likely
Ricciardo and country musician Rob Baird set off in a Ford Raptor from an event in Lake Havasu, Arizona, heading for Texas. They are also expected at the Ford Racing and Enchanté pop-up in Austin from October 22 to 25. That makes a visit to Circuit of The Americas more plausible, although no paddock schedule has been announced.
A favourite circuit and plenty of Texas antics
Austin has a personal pull, too. Ricciardo has called COTA one of his favourite tracks and said: “The track in Austin is sick, I love it.” He enjoys the fast changes of direction, the wide Turn 1 and the city’s atmosphere.
His Texas memories are often more cowboy than aerodynamic. In 2022, he rode a horse to the circuit in full cowboy attire and named it “Horsey McHorse”. Over the years he has added boots, a lasso and ranch visits to his Austin weekends. During a rain delay in 2015, he even danced with Daniil Kvyat.
A return by the smiling Australian to one of his favourite weekends looks entirely possible. Until Red Bull or Ricciardo confirms his schedule, though, a paddock appearance remains an expectation rather than a fact.
