Mekis: Ricciardo will occasionally appear in the paddock

      A new chapter in Daniel Ricciardo’s life and career is beginning — he has become an ambassador for Ford Racing, and immediately there were suggestions that the Australian might still return to the paddock, but in a new role. Laurent Mekies, the head of Red Bull Racing, hinted at this as well, since the Milton Keynes team is rolling out a large-scale collaboration with Ford Motor Company, which has become the technical partner of the engine-building division Red Bull Powertrains, whose staff are creating a next-generation power unit. Both teams — Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls — will receive such engines in 2026. According to Mekies, Ricciardo will become a sort of link between the teams he has raced for at various stages of his career and the American corporation. "When we see Daniel coming back with Ford Racing as one of the participants in this adventure, we feel warm family vibes," he said in an interview with Sky Sports. "I think this is one of many examples that demonstrate there are numerous points of contact between our two companies, between these two projects. Overall, this is all very interesting. I am sure everyone will be glad to see Daniel in the paddock again — he will probably appear here sometimes thanks to Ford Racing." Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, discussing Ricciardo’s new role, also made it clear that the Australian will play an important role in promoting the company’s products on the global SUV market. "We want to create a powerful global system to promote our products aimed at fans of off‑road vehicles," Farley said. "As we all know, Daniel is a unique person, but his enthusiasm for such vehicles also rubs off on many ordinary motorists who may not yet be thinking about buying an SUV. But when I was talking to Formula 1 drivers today, they were all asking me whether they could buy a Ford Raptor R? That says something…"