Daniel Ricciardo is back in the cockpit! As Ford ambassador, the former F1 star is causing a stir in Arizona with spectacular jumps in the Raptor.
Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has returned to the cockpit of a race car. As part of his role as brand ambassador for Ford, the Australian took part in the Raptor Rally in Lake Havasu, Arizona, producing some spectacular images.
Ricciardo, who ended his active Formula 1 career after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, has been officially working for the American car manufacturer since September 2025. At the event in the Arizona desert, he joined a group of Ford F-150 Raptors to complete high-speed runs and jumps.
The start of the event was still relaxed for the Australian. “The whole drive, I was just thinking, ‘Tonight we’re going to take a drive into the sunset, a little off-road drive, let the Raptors do their thing, and probably end the evening with a cold drink.’”
Ricciardo admitted that he didn’t know exactly what to expect, but that he actually appreciates this uncertainty. “As soon as someone gives me a briefing, I think to myself: I like the surprise,” said the former Red Bull driver.
Ricciardo takes the plunge
After a relaxed start on the first evening, things got more serious on the second day. The day began with jump attempts. After Ricciardo successfully completed the first jump, he ventured a second attempt with significantly more confidence.
Upon landing, both he and his co-driver burst out laughing as they came to a stop next to a marshal. The marshal commented on the action with the words: “That was twice as far as anyone else has done all day.”
Ricciardo commented on the scene self-critically and with a wink in front of the camera: “Unfortunately, my ego got the better of me and I wasn’t satisfied with the first one. So we really went for it. It felt great. It was so much fun.”
Action in the Raptor T1+ from the Dakar Rally
Later in the event, Ricciardo also switched to the passenger seat to experience another off-road trail, including jumps, in another Raptor R. He also took his place as both passenger and driver in the Ford Raptor T1+, as used in the Dakar Rally.
At the end of the event, the Australian was exhausted but happy. “I’m exhausted, which is why we’re ending the day in the pool,” he summed up. The ride with pros Lauren and Mitch left a particular impression: “I was pretty scared. But it was really fun. I’d never done anything like that before.”
Finally, Ricciardo praised the atmosphere at the event. “I think what the community has built is really great. What makes the Raptor special are the people and days like this.”