Daniel Ricciardo’s First Indy 500 Appearance Signals New Post-F1 Direction

On the weekend of the 110th Indianapolis 500, former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo attended as a fan to support his long-time friend Conor Daly, who finished 12th for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

Daniel Ricciardo publishes open letter after motorsport paddock return

Ricciardo retired from motorsport in September 2025, a year after his final F1 start with Racing Bulls. He then became a Ford Racing ambassador—Ford supplies Red Bull’s 2026 F1 engines—and turned his attention to Enchanté, his lifestyle brand built from his racing career and now outliving it. He described the shift from a 200 mph cockpit to a static office chair as a “weird jump” he is “loving the change of pace.” The brand’s first Indy 500 merchandise line, co-designed with longtime friend Conor Daly, was announced at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in late 2025. At the 110th Indianapolis 500 in May 2026, Ricciardo watched Daly finish 12th for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. Ricciardo, 36, is an eight-time Grand Prix winner; his friendship with Daly spans roughly 15 years.

Daniel Ricciardo publishes open letter after motorsport paddock returnDaniel Ricciardo shares heartfelt message after first Indy 500 visit brought back "childhood feelings"

In his open letter, Ricciardo praised the “change of pace” from cockpit to office, the pleasure of “spending a lot more time in the Enchanté seat,” and attending the Indy 500 as a “different angle” to stay close to motorsport. He noted the city’s flag-filled streets and the collective excitement of the event. He described the race as “more than just a race,” observed tears in drivers’ eyes after the anthem, and said the atmosphere revived his childhood feelings.

Daniel Ricciardo publishes open letter after motorsport paddock return

• “Ricciardo wrote: “Since stepping away from the driver’s seat, I’ve enjoyed spending a lot more time in the Enchanté seat.” — Daniel Ricciardo, Founder, Enchanté

Daniel Ricciardo publishes open letter after motorsport paddock return

• “Every neighborhood I drove past had Indy 500 flags and checkered flags hanging off the front porch.” — Daniel Ricciardo, Ford Racing Ambassador

Daniel Ricciardo publishes open letter after motorsport paddock return

• “I asked Conor on race day what he does before the race to lock in and shut out the distractions and the noise. He said, 'Man, this is the biggest and coolest thing I'll ever do in my life, why would I not want to hear every noise and every cheer? I don't want to be listening to music. I want to see, hear, and feel everything.'” — Conor Daly, quoted by Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo shares heartfelt message after first Indy 500 visit brought back "childhood feelings"

Ricciardo plans further Enchanté-Indy collaborations and confirmed his ongoing role as a Ford Racing ambassador, hinting at more IndyCar appearances.

Daniel Ricciardo publishes open letter after motorsport paddock return