Daniel Ricciardo makes surprise appearance as he lands brand new motorsport job

Daniel Ricciardo surprised fans as he was seen in the crowd watching Brentford come from behind to secure a sensational 3-1 comeback victory against Newcastle at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.

The former Red Bull Formula One driver is interestingly known to be a Manchester United fan but sat in the stands on Saturday night, wearing a pair of sunglasses as he watched Brentford bounce back from going 1-0 down to seal a huge victory against the Magpies.

Despite Harvey Barnes’ goal just before the half-hour mark, Strikes from Kevin Schade and Igor Thiago would, in the second half, put the hosts 2-1 up, before the latter would make it 3-1 from the penalty spot.

It comes as much speculation has revolved around Ricciardo’s future in racing, with the beloved Aussie racing driver having recently opened up on how he’s coping with life now that he’s left the glitz and glamour of the Formula One world.

Ricciardo appears to have also let his hair grow over the past few months, with the former racing driver, who cut a clean-shaven profile during his career, appearing to be sporting a long beard, while keeping a fairly low profile by sporting a pair of sunglasses.

‘The beard is my comfort right now,’ he explained in August.

‘I had a fallout with my barber and then I lost my razor. It’s been a tough six months.’

Ricciardo enjoyed a 13-year career in motorsport’s premier circuit, with the man they call ‘the Honey Badger’ having recently acquired a new job after he was cut from Red Bull.

Ricciardo was shown the door following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, after Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko explained that he was no longer exhibiting the ‘killer instinct’ that he had shown throughout his career.

Ricciardo would later leave the circuit, with many suggesting that he could return, but interestingly, he has now revealed his next move after leaving the Formula One circuit.

After a bit of ‘self-exploration’, the Aussie is returning to the world of motorsport and will work with Ford Racing as an ambassador for the US-based company.

‘Kicking back but always seeking the thrill,’ he wrote on social media.

‘Nothing does it better than a Ford Raptor. Proud to be the newest ambassador of Ford Racing.’

While many have hoped that he could one day return as a racing driver, Ricciardo gave the firmest indication yet that he no longer wants to get behind the wheel of a racing car.

‘While my racing days are behind me, my love for anything with wheels will always remain high, and for that I am proud to be partnering with Ford to become a Global Ford Racing Ambassador,’ he wrote in a statement on Ford Racing’s website.

‘I am going to be working closely with the Ford Racing team and specifically focus on the amazing Raptor brand and lifestyle that Raptor has become for many of Ford's customers.’

‘I couldn’t be more excited for all the amazing drives ahead with Ford and for all the incredible projects Ford Racing has in its pipeline.

‘From F1 to Dakar and from Le Mans to Bathurst, few companies have been at this for as long as you guys have. From what I have seen, we have an incredible future ahead, and I am so proud to be joining the team.’

Ricciardo enjoyed a decorated 13-year career in racing with the Western Australian going on to race for HRT, Toro Rosso, Red bull, McLaren and Alpha Tauri.

Across 257 starts, the fan favourite would go on to win eight races and make 32 podium finishes.

In an address to those working at Ford and his fans, Ricciardo went on to explain why he chose to take up a role with the US racing giant.

‘So why now, and why me?’ he said in a statement on Ford’s website.

‘When I decided it was time to retire, I thought long and hard about finding the most authentic way to stay connected to the world of motorsports. For me, racing was always about having fun. It made me happy and created memories that will last a lifetime.’