The Formula E paddock has been buzzing with speculation after Fortescue Zero Racing confirmed that exploratory contact was made with former grand prix winner Daniel Ricciardo. However, the newly established Australian outfit made it clear that the popular driver showed no immediate desire to resume a competitive racing career.
The revelation came to light during the team's official launch event in London, where management showcased their striking black and neon green livery ahead of their upcoming campaign utilizing customer Jaguar Gen4 powertrains from the 2026-27 season onward following their acquisition of Penske Autosport.
Ricciardo has remained out of a competitive race seat since his final Formula 1 appearance at the Singapore Grand Prix with Racing Bulls, later transitioning into an ambassadorial role. Team principal Jim Wright addressed the paddock rumors surrounding the approach during an exclusive media session.
"I certainly didn't have any talks, but I think there was a reach-out to him, and I think the message came back: look, he's not contemplating reviving his racing career at the moment," Wright explained. He emphasized that the team had no desire to pressure anyone into driving who was not fully committed to the championship.
Dr. Andrew Forrest echoed a similar sentiment, downplaying any heavy-duty commercial negotiations and framing the contact purely from a national camaraderie perspective. "I think of Ricciardo more as an Aussie mate. I haven't reached out to him apart from mentioning what we are doing on the way here, but that's as a mate," Forrest stated.
With Ricciardo remaining on the sidelines, Fortescue has shifted full focus toward building its competitive lineup around Dan Ticktum, who joins the squad from Cupra Kiro. Meanwhile, the status of the remaining seat continues to draw attention amid ongoing legal disputes regarding Taylor Barnard's contract validity within the FIA Formula E framework.
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