Daniel Ricciardo reunion teased with Max Verstappen

Verstappen, Ricciardo, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Daniel Ricciardo reunion teased with Max Verstappen

The pair raced together at Red Bull

Originally written by Sam Cook. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:00

Ford has offered a first glimpse of its 2026 campaign, releasing a teaser video that features Daniel Ricciardo alongside Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, sparking excitement among fans.

Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, will be joined by Hadjar in Red Bull’s driver line-up for 2026 as the team begins a new chapter under the leadership of incoming team principal Laurent Mekies.

The 2026 season also ushers in sweeping technical changes across Formula 1. As part of this shift, Red Bull will end its long-standing engine partnership with Honda and instead produce its own power units in collaboration with Ford.

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Former Red Bull F1 fan favourite Ricciardo has recently started a new role as global ambassador for Ford Racing, although he has confirmed that he will not be involved in the new power unit partnership between Ford and Red Bull powertrains.

Nonetheless, Ricciardo is the star of Ford Racing's recent teaser video dropped on social media that advertises their 2026 season launch, an event that is taking place on January 15 in Michigan.

And for that reason, Verstappen featured in the teaser video too, suggesting that the Dutchman could well be at Ford Racing's 2026 launch party alongside his former team-mate Ricciardo.

One user got very excited about the prospect, saying: "OH MY GOD MAXIEL REUNION?!!"

Another user commented: "Oh! Daniel and Max!", while one fan asked: "Uh. How do I get an invite?"

Ford Racing's initial post teasing the January 15 extravaganza read: "All of Ford Racing, in Michigan Central Station, for one night."

Ricciardo's new role

Ricciardo was axed from F1 back in September 2024, and at first appeared to just be enjoying his time away from racing.

However, earlier this year, the Australian revealed his new role with Ford Racing as a global ambassador, and he has since been seen across their social channels, and at various events in the racing calendar.

Ricciardo recently got back behind the wheel of a Ford Raptor at the 2025 Raptor Rally, vlogging the event with Ford and taking to Lake Havasu in the Raptor.

Ricciardo posted a highlights montage of the exhilarating event on Instagram, with an accompanying caption which read: "Pure freedom and fun in the desert at Raptor Rally!

"Getting to jump the Ford F-150 Raptor through the sand in Lake Havasu was a blast."

F1 Red Bull Max Verstappen Daniel Ricciardo