Daniel Ricciardo has once again set the motorsport world buzzing with a cryptic social media post.
The Australian driver shared an image of himself alongside a Ford vehicle bearing the “Ford Racing” badge, accompanied only by the caption: “More around the corner …” It was enough to send fans and pundits into overdrive, with theories ranging from a Supercars cameo to a shock NASCAR switch.
The timing is deliberate. Ford is preparing for its return to Formula 1 in 2026 as Red Bull’s power unit partner, and Ricciardo’s long association with the team makes the post impossible to ignore.
While a direct F1 comeback seems like the long shot, the link is there, and many fans have already begun dreaming of Ricciardo rejoining the grid just as Ford’s new era begins.
More likely, however, is a move closer to home. Supercars has openly courted Ricciardo in recent years, with series CEO Shane Howard making no secret of wanting the eight-time F1 winner on the grid.
With Walkinshaw Andretti United and Dick Johnson Racing carrying Ford’s flag in Australia’s touring car championship, Ricciardo’s teaser feels tailor-made to stoke anticipation of a Bathurst 1000 appearance. The sound of a Ricciardo-driven Mustang V8 up the Mountain would be the kind of headline that transcends motorsport.
There’s also NASCAR, where Ford has a strong presence through teams like Team Penske and RFK Racing. Ricciardo has admitted in interviews that he’s fascinated by America’s stock car culture, and his star power would translate instantly to a US audience. Earlier this year, reports even surfaced that manufacturers were prepared to hand him a “blank cheque” to secure his services.
What muddies the waters is that Ricciardo has been non-committal about his long-term racing future since leaving the Formula 1 grid.
He’s spoken candidly about burnout, rediscovered passion during his Red Bull reserve stint, and then struggled for form at AlphaTauri. The Ford teaser is his first public hint that competitive racing is still on his radar—and he knows how to use ambiguity to maximum effect.
Whether it’s a toe-dip in Supercars, a NASCAR adventure, or a carefully crafted brand partnership ahead of Ford’s F1 return, Ricciardo has succeeded in reigniting global interest in his next chapter. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that the Honey Badger rarely does things quietly.
