Fortescue Zero approached Daniel Ricciardo about 2027 Formula E
Fortescue Zero held initial discussions with Daniel Ricciardo regarding a potential driving role for the 2027 season. The former Red Bull driver expressed that a full championship campaign does not excite him, stating a preference for a one-off appearance at Le Mans instead.
Secret talks with Fortescue Zero
Formula E Notebook reports that Fortescue Zero approached Daniel Ricciardo about driving in the 2027 season. The British-based but Australian team formed following the buyout of Penske Autosport in September and reached out to Ricciardo to see if he had any interest in driving for them next season. While they held initial talks, no formal offer was made and the discussions never went beyond the approach stage. I view these secret discussions as a dead end. He has not raced since his F1 exit in 2024. He won eight grand prix races during his career. His racing career spanned 14 seasons between 2011 and 2024 and included 32 podium finishes. In 2023, Red Bull placed him in AlphaTauri to replace Nyck De Vries after a move to McLaren failed. Liam Lawson replaced him following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Despite rumors linking him with a drive at Cadillac, he has remained away from competitive racing.
Seeking racing closure
Ricciardo told Beyond the Grid that the thought of a full championship campaign does not excite him. He stated, "A year ago, I would have said I would never put a helmet on again. I’m done. That’s it." He wants to finish his racing career on his own terms through something like Le Mans. "The thought of doing a full championship or something just still doesn’t really sound that exciting. Probably like a one-off, Le Mans," he said. He explained that he wants to take the helmet off and have a better view of racing than what he had after Singapore. I find his career trajectory underwhelming. He wants to do something that makes him smile and feel good about the art of competition again. "I think I’d just enjoy it. It would be the form of driving and companionship that I would really enjoy," he said. He believes this type of racing would provide the closure he needs to leave the sport with a smile. He wants to leave the sport feeling happy and satisfied with his journey. He is looking for a way to finish that is more pleasant than his exit from F1.
