Former Formula 1 star linked to NASCAR seat in 2025 ‘bold prediction’

In simpler terms, we can confirm that Daniel Ricciardo’s career as a Formula 1 racer ended after the 2024 season, marking his 14th year in this sport.

Originally, Ricciardo departed Red Bull following the 2018 season to sign with Renault. However, his tenure there spanned only two unimpressive seasons before he shifted to McLaren. Contrary to his claims in 2022 that he would return to McLaren in 2023, he was let go a year ahead of schedule. This placed him in a precarious position, potentially barring him from competing at the highest level of motorsport again.

In 2023, the eight-time Grand Prix winner received a chance to continue in Formula 1 when Red Bull signed him as their reserve driver. This move brought him back onto the racing circuit, replacing Nyck de Vries who was struggling, around mid-season, for sister team AlphaTauri (then known as AlphaTauri). He kept his position with the team (now rebranded as RB) for the following year in 2024.

In essence, Ricciardo experienced a parallel situation to de Vries in 2024, as his struggles led to him being replaced by Liam Lawson prior to the season’s conclusion. Despite rumors that Cadillac had considered having Ricciardi join their Formula 1 driver roster for 2026, it appears that he has ruled out any potential return to Formula 1.

But what he hasn’t done is shut the door on a return to racing.

Dan Ricciardo, an ardent NASCAR enthusiast with a special affection for Dale Earnhardt, had the opportunity to pilot a classic car of Dale’s, the 1984 No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo, in 2021 before the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. During his Formula 1 tenure, Ricciardo used the number 3, which bore a striking resemblance to Dale’s iconic “Intimidator” number 3.

Fox Sports has shared 25 daring forecasts for the year 2025 across all sports, and among these, two predictions were contributed by NASCAR expert Bob Pockrass. One of his bold predictions suggests that Ricciardo may switch to NASCAR, not just for a single event, but potentially for good.

Daniel Ricciardo comes to NASCAR in more than just a one-off move. Riccardo currently is unemployed, and his fandom of NASCAR is well-documented. Yeah, for the most part he has poured cold water on any significant NASCAR chatter. But to see his smile driving a Dale Earnhardt Sr. vintage car a few years ago showed just how much he loves the sport. Plus there would be teams and sponsors that want him racing stock cars. And that’s not to mention the fans, who would eat it up. If NASCAR can find a way to get this done, it should do it.

It seems that every chartered entry in 2025 might be operated by full-time drivers, marking the first time this has happened since the charter period began in 2016. However, it doesn’t rule out the possibility for change in the future.

Trackhouse Racing could be an option for the 35-year-old Australian racer. Recently, Justin Marks and Pitbull’s team, Trackhouse Racing, have reactivated their PROJECT91 project, which was on hold in 2024, specifically for the Daytona 500 by acquiring the No. 91 Chevrolet for four-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves. Given that they ran this car part-time during the 2023 season, it’s plausible to envision them doing the same throughout the upcoming season.

The purpose of this initiative was to allow well-known global racing drivers like Daniel Ricciardo to participate in the Cup Series. This match seems quite logical from various perspectives.

Might he find the courage to overcome his apprehension towards oval racing and participate in some specific stock car events? Perhaps, he could work out an arrangement for races on road or street courses. Could the Xfinity Series, Truck Series, or even both, potentially offer him opportunities?

Jack Pockrass forecasted that Alexander Rossi, the victor of the 2016 Indy 500, would triumph in his inaugural race with Ed Carpenter Racing. This team is consistently swift at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, yet they have yet to secure the coveted title.

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2025-01-09 14:32