Indy 500 – Daniel Ricciardo confirmed he will attend this year’s Indianapolis 500, calling it something that will “really hit me hard,” after stepping back from racing.
Daniel Ricciardo is set to trade the driver’s seat for the grandstands at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and he says the moment is likely to land emotionally.
He confirmed he will be in attendance at the Indianapolis 500 this year, expecting the event to “hit me hard.” The Australian framed it as a return to a childhood kind of thrill, even as he keeps his post-racing focus on other ventures.
Since his last professional race at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo has not competed on the grid. He has since declared that he has retired from racing and is now focusing on projects beyond the sport, including working as an ambassador for Ford Racing and launching his own wine.
This year’s Indy 500 will also feature that wine venture. It was reported that the product will be advertised during the event in collaboration with Conor Daly, who will race for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
Meanwhile, Ricciardo’s presence at Indy is not just about sponsorship and visibility. He recently appeared on Daly’s Speed Street podcast, where he discussed his decision to attend and how he expects to experience the race.
“What you’ve told me about Indy 500, I’ve probably never been more excited since I was a kid to go to a race and just be a fan at a race,” Ricciardo said. He added that hearing Daly describe the event after spending time traveling and racing across Europe has amplified his anticipation.
He told listeners: “This sounds like… I think it’s going to really hit me hard. I’m excited to be a fan.” In that framing, the significance is less about returning to competition and more about reconnecting with the sport as a spectator, with all the emotion that comes with it.
The race is scheduled for May 24, just a handful of hours before the Canadian Grand Prix. That tight timing underscores how closely packed this motorsport stretch will be for fans, even as Ricciardo’s role this time is to watch.
On the podcast, Ricciardo also explained how the idea of attending took shape. He said the plan began with a conversation about getting Conor Daly more involved, and that he simultaneously spoke with his father about Indy 500.
“Guys, is there a world we can get Conor more involved?” he said, describing the question that kicked things off. He then recalled discussing the race with his dad, noting it was something his father has always wanted to do and has always wanted to go to.
In the end, the decision shifted from a future-only plan to a near-term one. Ricciardo said he proposed: “Well, let’s do it in 2026, let’s go to the race,” setting the course for what’s now confirmed for this year.
For Ricciardo, the Indy 500 also represents a bridge between his racing past and his new public life outside the cockpit.. Even with retirement already declared. the event is drawing him back in a way that feels personal. turning his involvement into a celebration of the race through sponsorship. storytelling. and simply being there.
As the May 24 date approaches, the story becomes even more compelling for fans: Ricciardo will be watching rather than driving, while Daly prepares to race and the wine collaboration ties Ricciardo’s off-track ventures directly to the day.
Daniel Ricciardo Indianapolis 500 Indy 500 attendance Conor Daly Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Ford Racing ambassador Ricciardo wine