Ex-Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is courted by Australian Supercars series

BATHURST, Australia (AP) — Daniel Ricciardo’s career in Formula 1 might be over, but he has an open invitation from the Australian Supercars chief if he wants to race on the touring car circuit.

Eight-time F1 race winner Ricciardo was released by Red Bull Racing in late September following a disappointing 2024 campaign, ending a 14-year F1 career.

The 35-year-old Ricciardo made a lasting impact on F1 as one of the faces of the sport’s boom in the United States driven by Netflix’s “Drive To Survive” series. But he has shown no interest in moving to American motorsports such as IndyCar or NASCAR.

Supercars chief Shane Howard on Thursday said the Australian would be welcome to drive on his home country’s biggest racing series.

Howard made the comments ahead of Sunday’s showpiece Bathurst 1000 race in central New South Wales state, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) west of Sydney.

Ricciardo has spoken previously about wanting an opportunity to compete for the title of King of the Mountain at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst. He has also sampled Supercars machinery in previous years.

“If Daniel’s listening, we want you to race here,” Howard said. “Wouldn’t that be fantastic? To have someone of Daniel Ricciardo’s quality as a driver.

“He’s got an enormous personality. To have him in one of our cars would be very special. We’ve got an open invite to Daniel.”

Howard said earlier this month that Supercars would contact Ricciardo’s management at an appropriate time following his F1 firing.

Ricciardo has been replaced by New Zealander Liam Lawson, 22, for the remainder of the F1 season. The next F1 race is the United States Grand Prix on Oct. 20.

Daniel Ricciardo being courted by the Australian Supercars series could be an intriguing move for both Ricciardo and the series itself. As a Formula 1 veteran, Ricciardo has built a reputation for his charismatic personality and aggressive driving style, making him a fan favorite worldwide. Transitioning to the Australian Supercars would not only bring significant attention to the series but could also offer Ricciardo a fresh challenge in a new motorsport environment.

From Ricciardo’s perspective, after his fluctuating F1 career, particularly with recent challenges at McLaren and Red Bull, moving to Supercars might offer a chance to reconnect with his roots, racing on home soil and in front of his Australian fans. It would allow him to drive in a less intense, but still highly competitive, motorsport arena. The Australian Supercars series is known for its close-quarters racing and intense competition, so it might align well with his driving style.

For the Supercars series, Ricciardo’s presence could attract international attention, boosting the profile of the series and bringing in new sponsors and fans. It could also further bridge the gap between Formula 1 and touring car racing in Australia, offering a cross-pollination of viewership.

However, it’s a big shift from Formula 1’s high-tech, open-wheel format to the touring cars of the Supercars series, so there would be an adjustment period. Whether Ricciardo wants to commit to such a transition after his career in F1 remains to be seen. Regardless, it’s an exciting prospect for motorsport fans, especially those in Australia