Daniel Ricciardo secures surprising three-race contract

Daniel Ricciardo has proven over the years to be incredibly popular amongst American F1 fans.

Daniel Ricciardo’s one-year hiatus from being a Formula 1 driver just became slightly less quiet, as the Australian will front a new F1 show on ESPN2.

Along with actor and comedian Will Arnett, Ricciardo will present a telecast during three races this season, starting next weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix.

At the Canadian GP, the United States Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ricciardo and Arnett will host a telecast during the race, offering an alternate commentary.

It will seemingly have a more laid-back approach to a traditional telecast though, with the duo set to welcome guests onto the show to have a crack at commentary.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

In Ricciardo’s own words, the show will feel like “you’re watching F1 with your mates”, something he can’t wait to get started with.

“This is going to be a hoot!” said Ricciardo, as reported by GPFans.com.

“As you’d expect Will and I are going to have some fun with the show, but we’re hoping it just feels like you’re watching F1 with your mates. We will have some amazing guests, plenty of laughs and with some luck, bring fans another step closer to the sport I love so much. Buckle up America!”

The show, titled ‘The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett’, will air on ESPN2 whilst ABC are conducting their usual coverage of the pinnacle of motorsport, with the viewing figures set to be intriguing.

Article continues below

Ricciardo is a huge hit across the pond and has been the face of several Red Bull marketing campaigns in North America, since he returned to the Austrians at the start of this season as their development driver.

The Aussie returned to Red Bull following the termination of his 2023 contract with McLaren, something which allowed the Woking-based team to sign rookie Oscar Piastri.

READ: McLaren break silence on switching to Red Bull power units

Ricciardo endured a mostly disastrous two years at McLaren, with the exception being his shock win at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.

Since returning to Red Bull in a behind-the-scenes role, the fan favourite seems much happier, something which has been noticed by pundits.

Whether he remains with Red Bull in 2024 remains to be seen though, as he’s expressed his intent on returning to the grid next season.