Former Formulation 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has returned to the racing seat as he took on Ford’s Raptor Rally at Lake Havasu, Arizona.
The Australian driver, who joined Ford as a model ambassador in September 2025, retired from F1 after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. He joined a rally of Ford F-150 Raptors for high-speed desert runs and large jumps.
“All proper, so we’re in Lake Havasu. I do not understand how a lot you possibly can see behind me, however that’s the lake,” Ricciardo mentioned. “We appeared it up. Deepest level is about 92 ft. I feel it spans over about 40 miles or so. The entire drive I used to be similar to, ‘Tonight, we’ll go on a sundown drive, slightly path drive off-road, put the Raptors to make use of, put them to work, most likely end the evening with a chilly beverage.’
“There’s going to be a few thousand Raptors tomorrow for the occasion. So, tonight’s a extra quiet one. I feel 50 of us. I’ve by no means performed this earlier than. I truthfully do not know what to anticipate, however that is usually how I love to do issues.
“As quickly as somebody provides me a short, I am like, I just like the shock. So, I do not know the place this automotive goes to take me tonight, however I am certain it should be lovely, and we’re in good arms.”
After finishing the sundown drive and having fun with some meals and fireworks, he set off once more for a ultimate off-road drive on the primary night.
The second day began with a bounce. After efficiently finishing the primary bounce, he gave it one other attempt to go in with extra confidence. As he glided via the air, each he and his co-driver burst into laughter as they landed, pulling up alongside a marshal who mentioned, “That was double what anybody has performed all day.”
“Sadly, slightly little bit of ego overtook me, and I wasn’t proud of the primary one,” Ricciardo mentioned to the digicam. “So, we went actual huge. That felt huge. That was so enjoyable. That was so enjoyable. I feel there is a photograph of us mid-air.”
It was then time for the 36-year-old to get into the passenger seat for an off-road path, together with jumps, in one other Raptor R, earlier than getting right into a Ford Raptor T1+ as each passenger and driver.
“So we have had a time out within the dust. I am exhausted, therefore why we’re ending the day within the pool,” the previous Crimson Bull F1 driver mirrored. “It was fairly superior, although. I jumped my truck. My Raptor R mentioned, ‘Ahhh, actually flying.’ After which I obtained pushed by some professionals – some off-roader professionals with Lauren and Mitch.
“I used to be fairly scared. However it was actually enjoyable. I hadn’t performed something like that earlier than. We completed the day with everybody from the rally. And I feel what the group’s constructed is absolutely superior. And I feel what’s made Raptor is the individuals and days like this. And it is very nice to be part of that. It has been a extremely good couple of days out right here in Lake Havasu.”
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