Daniel Ricciardo rules out comeback: 'Thank the Lord, no more neck training'

Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed that his Formula 1 career is officially behind him, quipping that he won’t miss the brutal neck workouts that came with it.

The Australian, who lost his McLaren drive before rejoining Red Bull’s junior outfit, then suffered a broken hand and was later dropped again for underperformance, has now embraced full retirement. His new role as a Ford Racing ambassador was unveiled recently.

"While my racing days are behind me, my love for anything with wheels will always remain high," Ricciardo said at the announcement.

Ford will enter F1 in partnership with Red Bull in 2026 as part of its new power-unit programme. Speaking with fans via WhatsApp during the Austin weekend, Ricciardo admitted his body is finally recovering from the physical strain of Formula 1.

"My neck ain't so strong anymore," he laughed. "No more neck training, thank the Lord! I hated that part." Watching the United States Grand Prix alongside fans, Ricciardo praised his former teammate Max Verstappen’s dominant form.

"Kid's so good. I'm stating the obvious now," said the fully-bearded 36-year-old, describing Verstappen’s charge as “ridiculous” and saying it makes the 2025 title fight between the McLaren pair “even more exciting than it already was.”