Daniel Ricciardo unveils retirement twist as new partnership announced

Ex-F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has unveiled details of a new project as fans eagerly await news over whether a return to the sport is officially off the cards.

Although a racing comeback looks unlikely, there could still be a chance for fans to watch Ricciardo race again as Cadillac enters the sport in 2026.

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The American outfit will become the 11th team on the F1 grid next season and with their first driver lineup yet to be confirmed, many have been holding out hope that it includes Ricciardo.

The fan-favourite racer was dropped by Red Bull's junior F1 team last year and has pursued a variety of partnerships since his departure from Racing Bulls, none of which indicate a return to the track anytime soon.

Though his social media appearances may be few and far between, they have offered fans a glimpse into what life after F1 looks like for Ricciardo.

Between poking fun at former Red Bull colleague Max Verstappen and promoting launches of his wine company and clothing line, Ricciardo has certainly pursued a diverse array of projects to keep him busy during his time away from the sport.

Still, his latest has come as a surprise, with the 35-year-old taking to social media to reveal his new partnership with Dabble, an Australian fantasy sports betting app.

As part of Ricciardo's new role, the former racer could be seen lounging around a golf course in his first Dabble promotion, speaking on his experience of retirement.

The ex-F1 star declared: "I've given retirement a crack, but it's not for me. So, I've teamed up with the legends at Dabble to start a Tailgate business."

"After I hung up the helmet, I gave the retired life a crack. Bit of golf, bit of gardening, caught up on sleep, you know how it goes. It was nice… for a while.

"But then I got that itch. You know? I needed to do something. I missed the buzz. The energy. And that’s when it hit me…

"It was time I chased my
TRUE passion... So, I’ve teamed up with the legends at Dabble to launch my own Tailgate Service."

Ricciardo went on to reveal he would be hosting 'the Ultimate Texas Tailgate' in collaboration with Dabble, offering an exclusive chance to join him in the classic pre-game ritual.

The Aussies' love of American football is well documented, having been spotted supporting NFL team Buffalo Bills since his F1 exit, and the latest venture he has lent his name to is a testament to that.

Will Ricciardo return to F1?

Whilst many fans had been hoping a return to F1 was on the cards for Ricciardo, the eight-time grand prix winner seems entirely uninterested in pursuing new projects on the track.

Last year, one bold fan even asked Ricciardo to his face whether he fancied joining the new Cadillac F1 team ahead of their first season in the sport in 2026, to which he replied: "Nah, I'm done."

Paddock insiders have even declared that a return to the F1 track seems highly unlikely at this stage in Ricciardo's career and although his loveable personality and marketable qualities would make him an attractive asset to many other racing series', one has to question whether it is truly what Ricciardo sees himself pursuing in future.

His most recent career prospects remain business-focused and since losing his high-profile job as 'Chief of Optimism' with Australian telecommunications company Optimus, the ex-F1 star has mostly pursued corporate ventures.

For now and quite possibly the future, fans simply have to adjust to seeing Ricciardo as the face of many of his own companies, or others such as Beats and now Dabble, with a return to the sport even in a punditry role now potentially years away.

I've given retirement a crack, but It's not for me. So, I've teamed up with the legends at Dabble to start a Tailgate business... Check it out at https://t.co/S20xXM51oA

What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit… pic.twitter.com/kHfXpAqonL

— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) June 18, 2025

READ MORE: F1 champion announces RETIREMENT plans

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