Daniel Ricciardo refuses to rule out racing return after abrupt F1 exit: "Never say never"

Daniel Ricciardo has failed to rule out a return to racing in the future, but insists that if he does return to the cockpit, it would not be to chase a championship victory.

The Australian driver left the world of Formula 1 behind him after his abrupt exit from the championship at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, when he was replaced at Racing Bulls by Liam Lawson.

Ricciardo has opened up about his shock F1 exit and the possibility of returning to the cockpit in the future in any racing series during an appearance on American driver Conor Daly's Speed Street podcast.

"At the end of my career, I was like, ‘Why do I love it?’ And I just wanted to remove myself for a bit," Ricciardo said. "But I think going to other races kind of rebuilt a healthy relationship with it."

When asked about a potential return to professional racing, the eight-time grand prix winner added: "Never say never. I’m really enjoying not competing where I currently sit, and just enjoying the small things in life, and not having to kind of be on a stage and all that.

"Do I know what I’ll feel in three years, five years? No. If I was to do something maybe one day, it would definitely be more from a fun aspect than, like, ‘I’m chasing some championship’ aspect.

Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

"I don’t need to hold a trophy in something. I don’t need this for myself. Sometimes that can take the enjoyment out of racing. It’s a balance, because you want to have goals, and that’s obviously what gives you that purpose in the morning. To wake up and push yourself and get in the gym and all that.

"But sometimes that can also rob some of the joy. I just want to make sure if I was to ever do something again, it’s just joyful, and I don’t have to prove anything or try to be the best. I just want to have some fun with it."

Since his F1 exit, Ricciardo has continued to develop his Enchanté brand and has become a brand ambassador for Ford.