Daniel Ricciardo looks set to move away from Formula 1 after 13 years driving in the sport at some point in the near future.
The Aussie has no contract for 2025, and there are rumours that he may be replaced by Liam Lawson for the remainder of the current season.
At the age of 35, he still has plenty of talent left and if he has the motivation to – should seek another opportunity in racing.
Having snubbed IndyCar for being too ‘scary’, we know that’s not an option, but what about another North American series?
Daniel Ricciardo wants to drive a NASCAR at Daytona
If Ricciardo thinks that IndyCar is too ‘scary’, then NASCAR at Daytona really isn’t too far off that grade either.
It’s what he has indicated he would like to get the opportunity to do after his Formula 1 career ends, having had a strong relationship with the United States throughout his career.
He loves it when Formula 1 heads to Austin, and he has a close relationship with NFL star Quarterback Josh Allen – so Ricciardo could be a great success across the pond.
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Speaking to Tourism Western Australia, he said: “I grew up a fan of NASCAR. I’d like to drive a NASCAR, I’d love to drive around Daytona for example.
“But would I like to compete? Yes and no. I know it’s not what I grew up doing and I’ll probably get smoked. [So] I don’t know if I need that [but] I would love to experience it.”
Should Ricciardo take time away from motorsport in general?
Racing is a lot about building momentum and rhythm, so if Ricciardo wants to keep fresh and fit behind the wheel, he needs to find an opening soon after he leaves Formula 1.
He took half a year away in 2023 before returning to race for AlphaTauri, coming back like a man with a new lease of life.
But his return to the pinnacle of motorsport wasn’t too kind to him, and now his chances of a return to Red Bull at the top of the sport appear gone, he might be left facing a complete career change.
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Of course, he could retire altogether and seek to remain within the Formula 1 paddock, but that doesn’t appear to be the sort of character that the ‘Honey Badger’ is.
There’s bound to be a few NASCAR teams that would take a punt on Ricciardo’s services if he was to show a hunger to race ovals – so maybe he should get his phone out?