Daniel Ricciardo Embraces Post-F1 Life with Premier League Outing Alongside Sky F1’s Natalie Pinkham

London, UK – Former Formula 1 luminary Daniel Ricciardo, a figure known for his charismatic presence and distinctive racing style, made a notable public appearance at a Premier League football fixture between Brentford and Newcastle United. The sighting occurred over the weekend of the Brazil Grand Prix, placing Ricciardo away from the Interlagos paddock, alongside Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham. This rare public outing offered a glimpse into the next chapter of the Australian’s career, following his recent definitive announcement regarding his future in motorsport.

Ricciardo, who has transitioned from a full-time competitive F1 seat, has been a central figure in Formula 1 for over a decade, known for his eight Grand Prix victories and his infectious "shoey" celebration. After stints with HRT, Toro Rosso, Red Bull Racing, Renault, and McLaren, he most recently served as a reserve driver for Red Bull before securing a return to a competitive seat with AlphaTauri, later rebranded as RB. His journey has been marked by a blend of raw talent, strategic moves, and an undeniable connection with fans globally. The announcement in September 2025, confirming his ultimate departure from competitive F1 racing, signaled a strategic shift towards ambassadorial and content-focused roles, seeking an authentic connection to the sport he loves, rather than the high-stakes pressure of race weekends. This appearance at Gtech Community Stadium aligns with his declared intention to explore new avenues within the broader automotive and sports landscape.

The Premier League match itself, a clash between Brentford and Newcastle United, provided a vibrant backdrop for Ricciardo’s appearance. Brentford, a West London club, has carved out a reputation for its data-driven approach and spirited performances since its promotion to the top flight. Newcastle United, backed by significant investment, has been on an upward trajectory, challenging the established order of English football. The timing of the visit during an F1 race weekend, particularly the Brazilian Grand Prix, underscored Ricciardo’s current detachment from the immediate pressures of the F1 calendar. While the F1 world was focused on the championship battles unfolding in South America, Ricciardo was immersed in a different sporting spectacle, demonstrating his continued engagement with elite-level sports, albeit from a different vantage point.

Accompanying Ricciardo was Natalie Pinkham, a respected and familiar face in the Formula 1 media landscape. Pinkham, a veteran Sky Sports F1 presenter, was notably absent from her usual duties at Interlagos due to recent surgery, which she openly shared with her audience. Her presence alongside Ricciardo at the football match highlights the close-knit community within F1, where professional relationships often extend into deep personal friendships. Pinkham’s social media post from the event, in which she humorously mentioned "Recruited a couple of newbees….@brentfordfc…and stayed connected with Brazil today @thiago01. Great win," subtly acknowledged the F1 weekend while celebrating Brentford’s victory, further cementing the relaxed atmosphere surrounding Ricciardo’s attendance.

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The enduring friendship between Ricciardo and Pinkham is well-documented and extends beyond their professional interaction in the F1 paddock. A testament to their bond, Ricciardo is the godfather to Pinkham’s son, Wilf. Pinkham previously elaborated on the genesis of this significant relationship during an appearance on the Pitstop podcast. She recounted how she and her husband intentionally waited six months to observe who demonstrated the most genuine effort and care towards their newborn son before assigning godparent roles. "Because sometimes you make godparents out of sort of legacy friends and then you regret it. Because you go, they don’t really care about the kid," Pinkham explained, emphasizing the deliberate nature of their choice. Ricciardo, without hesitation, emerged as the clear frontrunner. Pinkham shared anecdotes illustrating his dedication: "Without a shadow of a doubt, he made the most effort. He’d be like ‘Can I come over?’ and I’m like, ‘Actually, I’m not there’, [and he would say] ‘I’m actually coming to see Wilf’." This narrative paints a vivid picture of Ricciardo’s character beyond the racetrack, showcasing a profound kindness and compassion that, as Pinkham noted, "a lot of people don’t realise how deep that is." This personal insight reinforces the authenticity of Ricciardo’s public persona as a "great lad" with a "good laugh," complementing his reputation as an "incredible racer."

Ricciardo’s transition into his post-F1 career has been carefully articulated, particularly through his partnership with Ford Racing as a Global Ford Racing Ambassador, announced on September 5, 2025. This move signifies a deliberate choice to remain connected to the motorsport world in a capacity that prioritizes enjoyment and genuine engagement. As he explained upon the announcement, "While my racing days are behind me, my love for anything with wheels will always remain high and for that I am proud to be partnering with Ford to become a Global Ford Racing Ambassador." His specific focus on the "amazing Raptor brand and lifestyle that Raptor has become for many of Ford’s customers" indicates a shift towards experiential and lifestyle branding, leveraging his adventurous and personable image. This role extends beyond mere endorsement; it involves working closely with the Ford Racing team, suggesting a more hands-on involvement in promotional activities, content creation, and potentially even product development or testing within the off-road and performance vehicle segments.

The rationale behind this new direction, as articulated by Ricciardo, resonates deeply with his known philosophy: "So why now and why me? When I decided it was time to retire, I thought long and hard about finding the most authentic way to stay connected to the world of motorsports." His emphasis on "having fun" and creating "memories that will last a lifetime" reflects a desire to move away from the relentless competitive pressure of Formula 1 while preserving the joy and passion that initially drew him to racing. This ambassadorial role allows him to channel his deep understanding of high-performance vehicles and his broad appeal into new ventures, maintaining his relevance and influence within the global automotive and sports industries.

Ricciardo’s presence at the Premier League match, therefore, serves as more than just a casual outing. It’s a public affirmation of his evolving role in the sporting world – one where personal connections, authentic passions, and strategic partnerships coalesce to define a new, fulfilling chapter after a distinguished career at the pinnacle of motorsport. It demonstrates his ability to remain a prominent figure, engaging with various sporting domains and leveraging his unique personality to carve out a diverse and impactful future.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.