Daniel Ricciardo preparing for emotional return to the paddock at the Indianapolis 500
More than two years after his final Formula 1 appearance, Daniel Ricciardo is preparing to experience the atmosphere of a racing paddock once again during this year’s Indianapolis 500. The Australian admitted that returning to such an environment could “hit him deeply” after spending a long period away from the world of active competition.
Since stepping away from racing, the former Formula 1 driver has focused on several different projects, including his role as a Ford Racing ambassador and the expansion of his personal wine brand. That wine label will be promoted during the upcoming Indianapolis 500 through a collaboration with Conor Daly, who will compete for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
Daniel Ricciardo recently appeared on Conor Daly’s Speed Street podcast, where he opened up about his excitement for the iconic IndyCar event and the emotions he expects to feel once he returns to a major motorsport paddock.
“From what you’ve told me about the Indy 500, I’ve probably never been this excited to go to a race and simply be a fan,” Daniel Ricciardo explained.
The Australian also admitted that attending the event from a completely different perspective after years of competing around the world could create a very emotional experience.
“Experiencing it the way you describe it, after spending so many years in Europe and travelling around the world racing, I think it will really hit me deeply. I’m excited to experience it from the outside.”
The Indianapolis 500 will take place on May 24, only a few hours before the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. Explaining how the idea of attending the legendary race first came together, Daniel Ricciardo revealed that conversations about Conor Daly’s involvement eventually turned into a personal plan connected to his family.
“We started talking about it by saying: ‘Is there a way to involve Conor more?’ And almost at the same time, I was speaking with my father about the Indianapolis 500, which is a race he has always wanted to attend. I told him: ‘Let’s do it in 2026, let’s go together.’”
Although Daniel Ricciardo has remained away from full-time racing since leaving Formula 1, his continued presence around motorsport projects and his enthusiasm for iconic events such as the Indy 500 suggest that his passion for the sport remains as strong as ever.
For many fans, his appearance at Indianapolis will also represent a rare opportunity to see one of Formula 1’s most popular modern personalities back inside a major racing paddock environment, even if only as a guest rather than a competitor.
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