Last Updated on October 2 2024, 12:46 pm

Daniel Ricciardo offered V8 Supercars: “It would be really cool” – After being forced to retire from Formula One, Daniel Ricciardo is already eyeing up new opportunities. The Australian racing star, known for his exuberant personality and exceptional driving skills, has attracted interest from the V8 Supercar Championship, one of Australia’s premier motorsport series.

V8 Supercars CEO Shane Howard has extended a warm invitation to Ricciardo to join the Australian racing scene, opening the door to a new chapter in the Australian driver’s motorsport career.

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New career direction for Ricciardo?

Following his final race in F1 with VCARB at the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo finds himself at a crossroads. His place on the F1 grid will be taken by New Zealand reserve driver Liam Lawson from the Austin Grand Prix, leaving Ricciardo to look for new professional challenges. Despite the move, the Australian has hinted at a keen interest in competing in the V8 Supercar Championship, a prestigious touring car series in his homeland.

“Obviously it’s the V8 cars that race there, but there’s also the 12 Hours and stuff, so maybe I could do that,” Ricciardo told Motorsport.com.

“If a V8 team said, ‘Hey, do you want to do a couple of laps at Bathurst, no pressure, just to experience it,’ then I would definitely do it.”

Ricciardo’s mention of Bathurst, home of the legendary Bathurst 1000 – a gruelling 1,000-kilometre endurance race – fuelled speculation about his future in Australian motorsport. The race is an iconic event in Australian motorsport, considered by many to be the pinnacle of the country’s motorsport calendar.

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V8 Supercars CEO welcomes Ricciardo

In response to Ricciardo’s public interest, V8 Supercars CEO Shane Howard was quick to express his excitement at the idea of the F1 star joining their championship. Speaking to News Corp, Howard made it clear that V8 Supercars would welcome Ricciardo with open arms.

“Would we like to see Ricciardo in a supercar? One hundred per cent,” Howard said.

“Imagine him driving one of our cars in a new street race in Perth. That would be special, wouldn’t it? It would be massive.”

Howard went on to praise Ricciardo’s skill and personality, both of which have endeared him to fans around the world.

“He’s such an incredible driver and has such an incredible personality and people just absolutely love him. Imagine him at Bathurst. It would be really cool. We will contact Daniel and his management at the right time.”

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$3.5 million bonus: Ricciardo’s lighthearted departure from F1

Ricciardo’s exit from F1 may have come unexpectedly, but the driver still found reasons to smile at his final Grand Prix in Singapore. Despite finishing outside the top ten and scoring no points, Ricciardo managed to steal the fastest lap of the race from his former team-mate Lando Norris.

This seemingly insignificant victory had greater significance in the context of the Drivers’ Championship. By denying Norris the fastest lap point, Ricciardo’s lap created a scenario where even if Norris dominated the remaining races, Max Verstappen could still clinch the title by finishing second in each race.

Verstappen personally thanked Ricciardo after the race, acknowledging his role in shaping the championship battle. Red Bull could also show their appreciation to Ricciardo for the decisive lap. In typical fashion, Ricciardo joked about the moment in a post-race interview.

“I’ve been told I’m going to get a $3.5 million bonus for this, so it’s going to be a fantastic night,” Ricciardo joked to DAZN, laughing off the tense competition.

“It was nice to push at the end. Obviously we weren’t fighting for anything, we weren’t in the points. I got a thank you from Max, so it was recognised.”

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Reflecting on a storied F1 career

While the end of Ricciardo’s F1 journey may have seemed abrupt, the Australian remains reflective and proud of his time in the sport. During his 14-year F1 career, Ricciardo achieved remarkable success, including eight Grand Prix victories, 32 podium finishes, three pole positions and one memorable final fastest lap.

Ricciardo’s retirement from the sport was officially confirmed a few days after the Singapore Grand Prix. Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, announced that Liam Lawson would take Ricciardo’s place for the remaining six races of the season. The announcement sparked outrage among Ricciardo’s loyal fan base, many of whom felt the driver deserved a more ceremonial send-off.

However, Ricciardo took the situation in his stride, focusing on the positives of his career and what lies ahead. In his own words, Ricciardo chose to dwell on the highlights rather than the challenges.

“I look back and after so many years, when I was a go-kart driver, I can still imagine myself in this position and dreaming of being here,” Ricciardo reflected.

“So to come here and be here for as long as I have, it’s obviously emotional, but I don’t want to look back at the sad feelings – just the happy moments.”

He acknowledged the ups and downs of a career in motorsport, but was grateful for the opportunities he has had. “There have been a lot of highs and obviously lows, but that’s part of the sport. I’ve had an incredible opportunity to do so much in this sport and not everyone has had that opportunity.

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A bright future in Australian motorsport?

With Ricciardo now out of F1, all eyes are on the future and the prospect of seeing him behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar has fans excited. His love for his home country and its motorsport culture, combined with his legendary status, makes a transition to the V8 Supercar Championship a natural fit.

Ricciardo’s potential appearance at the Bathurst 1000, whether as a one-off event or as part of a longer commitment to the series, would undoubtedly be a major draw for the V8 Supercar Championship. The opportunity to see one of F1’s biggest personalities back in competitive racing could help raise the profile of the series both in Australia and internationally.

As Shane Howard noted, the timing would have to be right for Ricciardo to make the switch, but the offer is there whenever the former F1 star is ready to accept it.

For now, Ricciardo has the opportunity to recharge, reflect and decide on his next steps. Whether it’s Bathurst, Perth or another iconic Australian circuit, Ricciardo’s fans will be eager to see him back in action. The Honey Badger may have left the F1 paddock, but his motorsport journey is far from over.

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Red Bull have been hammered by most writers and fans in the Formula One world for their handling of Daniel Ricciardo’s departure. Ricciardo claimed on Thursday before the race in Singapore he believed there would be big decisions made on the team’s 2025 lineup.

Yet his demeanour after coming last but with the token fastest lap, was of that of a man who knew he’d raced his last time in F1. Dr. Helmut Marko admitted Ricciardo was told before the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday that he would be replaced by Liam Lawson come the next outing in Austin, Texas.

The world championship winning F1 team appear to be in a muddle of the future of their drivers and even Max Verstappen has been rumoured to be looking elsewhere for 2026. Sergio Perez was awarded another one year deal earlier this season, but his performances since have been the worst amongst the eight drivers for the…READ MORE ON THIS STORY