Daniel Ricciardo has reportedly held discussions with Formula E outfit Fortescue Zero about a possible return to competitive motorsport, two years after losing his Formula 1 seat. However, the Australian’s potential comeback remains speculative, with the team having already confirmed its driver pairing for its debut season.
Daniel Ricciardo could be preparing for an unexpected return to motorsport, although his next chapter may take place outside Formula 1.
According to Formula E Notebook, the former Red Bull driver held a meeting with Australian outfit Fortescue Zero last September. The discussions reportedly explored the possibility of Ricciardo joining the team as it considered entering the all-electric championship.
However, any suggestion that a deal was close would be premature. The reported conversations remained at an initial contact stage and did not develop into concrete negotiations.
Nevertheless, the possibility of Ricciardo returning to competitive racing is likely to attract attention, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his departure from Formula 1.
Ricciardo held discussions over potential Formula E return
The reported meeting between Ricciardo and Fortescue Zero represents an interesting development in the Australian’s post-Formula 1 career.
At 37, Ricciardo has been away from the Formula 1 grid since September 2024, when Racing Bulls decided to replace him with Liam Lawson for the remainder of that season.
His departure brought an end to a career that had produced eight Grand Prix victories, 32 podium finishes and 257 race starts between 2011 and 2024.
Ricciardo established himself as one of the sport’s most popular drivers during his time with Red Bull, finishing third in the Drivers’ Championship in both 2014 and 2016.
He subsequently moved to Renault before joining McLaren, where he secured his most recent Grand Prix victory at Monza in 2021.
A return to the Red Bull organisation followed in 2023, initially with AlphaTauri before the team became Racing Bulls. However, his performances failed to consistently reach the level expected, and his Formula 1 career ultimately came to an abrupt conclusion.
Ricciardo previously opened up about painful Formula 1 exit
Ricciardo has also spoken candidly about the emotional impact of his difficult final period in Formula 1.
Appearing on the official Beyond The Grid podcast, the Australian offered an unusually personal explanation of what was happening behind his public image.
“People saw me in public. I was having fun and drinking or whatever, but actually I was just hiding from what I really felt deep inside – namely a lot of pain and sadness,” he explained.
He also described experiencing “a sense of humiliation”, adding that it felt “as if I had failed and could no longer perform at what I was once capable of”.
Those comments provided an insight into the difficulties Ricciardo experienced as his performances declined and uncertainty grew over his future.
Although he has not announced any plans to return to professional racing, the reported Formula E discussions suggest that opportunities outside Formula 1 may have been explored.
Jack Doohan also considered for Fortescue Zero project
Ricciardo was reportedly not the only Formula 1-connected driver approached by Fortescue Zero.
According to Formula E Notebook, the Australian organisation also held discussions with Jack Doohan about a possible involvement in its motorsport project.
Doohan, who has served as a Formula 1 driver and reserve driver, has similarly experienced uncertainty surrounding his future in the sport.
However, Fortescue Zero’s plans have since moved forward, with the team confirming Taylor Barnard and Dan Ticktum as its driver pairing for its debut Formula E campaign.
That announcement effectively closes the door on Ricciardo or Doohan joining the team in those confirmed race seats, barring any subsequent changes.
Could Ricciardo still return to competitive racing?
For now, the reported meeting should be viewed as an exploratory conversation rather than evidence of an imminent comeback.
Ricciardo has not publicly confirmed an intention to return to racing, while Fortescue Zero has already established its initial driver line-up.
Nevertheless, the discussions demonstrate that his name remains relevant to motorsport projects beyond Formula 1.
Whether the eight-time Grand Prix winner ever decides to compete again remains uncertain. His next move may be away from the championship that made him a global star, but the prospect of seeing the Australian back behind the wheel is unlikely to go unnoticed by his supporters.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
