Daniel Ricciardo Deepens Ford Partnership Amid Red Bull’s 2026 F1 Plans

Daniel Ricciardo is about to strengthen his ties to Ford and Formula 1 as he returns to the Red Bull spotlight, just hours before the team’s big 2026 launch.

“Ford’s passion for motorsports is very apparent. But what excites me most is how they continue to find ways of having fun,” Ricciardo recently said.

The 36-year-old Aussie driver appears ready to deepen his connection with both Ford and Red Bull Racing ahead of the Austrian team’s 2026 car reveal.

His clothing brand, Enchanté, has been dropping hints on social media about a Ford collaboration set to be announced on January 15.

“For me, racing was always about having fun. It made me happy and created memories that will last a lifetime,” the Australian explained in an Instagram post.

“That’s why I love Ford. Some of my favourite memories are road tripping behind the wheel of my Raptor.”

He went on to praise Ford’s wide-ranging motorsport involvement, from F1 to the grueling Dakar Rally and from the prestigious Le Mans to Australia’s iconic Bathurst.

The social media teaser ended with a clear hint: “Enchanté x Ford Racing. 1.15.26” – the same date Red Bull plans to launch their 2026 car.

## Ricciardo with Red Bull ties once again

Ricciardo has become one of F1’s most beloved personalities during his time at the top of motorsport.

He’s started an impressive 257 Grands Prix throughout his career.

The charismatic driver claimed eight race victories over 14 seasons, becoming known for his huge smile and trademark “shoey” celebration.

However, his driving career came to an end when he was replaced by young talent Liam Lawson after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, leading to his official retirement announcement in September 2025.

But Ricciardo wasn’t leaving the racing world entirely. During that same announcement, the Perth-born star revealed he’d become an ambassador for Ford, keeping his ties to motorsport intact.

Red Bull and their sister team Racing Bulls will be the first two teams to unveil their 2026 machines. They’re doing it in Detroit, USA – the hometown of Ford.

The timing of Ricciardo’s teaser and Red Bull’s launch seems far from coincidental, suggesting the popular driver will play a role in Ford’s new partnership with the energy drink giant.

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.