Eight-time F1 race winner Daniel Ricciardo’s sudden departure from Red Bull Racing in late September has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, marking the end of his 14-year career in Formula 1. The 35-year-old, a fan-favorite thanks to his infectious personality and starring role in Netflix’s Drive to Survive, now faces a crossroads in his career. Despite speculation, the Australian has shown no interest in transitioning to American motorsports like IndyCar or NASCAR, leaving his next move a mystery.
Supercars Australia, however, is eager to lure the charismatic driver back to his homeland. Supercars CEO Shane Howard extended an open invitation to Ricciardo, emphasizing the desire to have him compete in the country’s premier racing series. Speaking ahead of the Bathurst 1000—a marquee event at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit—Howard was enthusiastic about the potential of Ricciardo joining the series.
“If Daniel’s listening, we want you to race here,” Howard declared. “Wouldn’t that be fantastic? To have someone of Daniel Ricciardo’s quality as a driver.”
Highlighting Ricciardo’s global appeal, Howard noted, “He’s got an enormous personality. To have him in one of our cars would be very special. We’ve got an open invite to Daniel.”
Ricciardo has previously expressed interest in competing at Bathurst’s legendary circuit, often referred to as “The Mountain.” Known for its challenging track layout and rich motorsport heritage, Mount Panorama remains a bucket-list venue for many drivers worldwide. Ricciardo has even tested Supercars machinery in the past, fueling hopes that he may one day take part in the iconic race.
Howard revealed that Supercars has already set its sights on making the opportunity a reality, confirming that they plan to reach out to Ricciardo’s management at the “appropriate time” following his F1 exit. The timing of Howard’s invitation coincides with the build-up to the Bathurst 1000, one of the most significant events in Australian motorsport, drawing both national and international attention.
As Ricciardo’s F1 chapter closes, the motorsport world watches closely to see what the next steps will be for the beloved Australian driver. While his immediate plans remain under wraps, Supercars is positioning itself as an attractive option, aiming to bring Ricciardo home and capitalize on his star power.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Liam Lawson, just 22 years old, has been tapped to replace Ricciardo for the remainder of the F1 season. The next race in the F1 calendar, the United States Grand Prix, kicks off on October 20, but all eyes may now be on whether Ricciardo takes up Howard’s offer to compete on home soil.
