Ricciardo suggests that a return to racing may be possible "one day."

      Daniel Ricciardo acknowledges that he could potentially return to racing someday, but only if it's "for the pure joy of driving." In a conversation on the Speed Street podcast with Conor Daly, the retired Australian shared that he is currently savoring life outside of Formula 1 after years spent in what he referred to as the sport's relentless "bubble."

      When asked how frequently people inquire about his return to racing, the 36-year-old Ricciardo admitted that the speculation hasn't entirely faded. "Yeah, I’m being asked a bit less recently because I think I’ve probably informed enough people," he mentioned.

      "I want to be sensible about it and avoid being too absolute, as you should never say never." He added, "I’m genuinely enjoying not competing right now and appreciating the small things in life without the pressure of being in the spotlight."

      Ricciardo remarked that he is uncertain about his feelings three or five years down the line. He emphasized that any potential return would need to be vastly different from the high-pressure final years of his Formula 1 career. "It would certainly stem more from a fun perspective rather than the pursuit of a championship," he clarified. "It’s really going to be about the sheer joy of driving, rather than seeking a trophy for myself. Sometimes, that pursuit can detract from the enjoyment of racing."

      He acknowledged the necessity of having goals, as they provide motivation each morning to push oneself, but admitted that these goals can sometimes diminish the joy. Ricciardo also expressed his intention to attend this year's Indianapolis 500, driven by curiosity about how the prestigious American event compares to Formula 1.

      Having distanced himself from the demanding travel and media obligations of F1, he now perceives the sport differently. "I was entrenched in the F1 environment for so long that I became accustomed to the intensity of the schedule and the paddock, and it all felt normal," Ricciardo explained. "But now that I’m on the outside, I realize, ‘Wow, that was anything but normal.’ The schedule was meticulously timed."

      He mentioned that the Indy 500 intrigues him, in part because he wants to see if the atmosphere is more relaxed compared to Formula 1. "I’m curious about what a week looks like for the biggest race of the year," Ricciardo told Daly. "I want to understand the balance between your schedule and your personal time during that period." He expressed interest in observing how relaxed the drivers are or whether they remain intensely focused throughout the entire weekend.