Could Daniel Ricciardo race in NASCAR following his potential F1 sacking? Exploring the Australian driver’s options

After finishing 18th in the Singapore Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo announced that he could be nearing the end of his F1 career. The 35-year-old driver, who currently competes in Formula 1 under the Australian flag for Racing Bulls, might be seen driving a NASCAR stock car in the future.

Ricciardo won eight GPs in 13 years in the F1 arena. With yesterday's race at the Marina Bay Circuit done and dusted, the "Honey Badger" owns 32 podium finishes under his belt with Toro Rosso (later AlphaTauri and now RB), Red Bull, Renault, and McLaren.

With his season-best eighth-place finish at the Canadian GP in June, Ricciardo sits 17th in the series standings, 11 points behind his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, as of today. Reserve driver Liam Lawson could join Red Bull's sister team's roster full time in 2025 while Ricciardo awaits a decision to be made about his future in the sport.

If Ricciardo quits F1, will he race in NASCAR? Speaking of his future ahead of a possible F1 exit, Ricciardo said (via Tourism Western Australia):

"There's things I would like to try and experience, I don't know, let's say on a competitive level. I grew up a fan of NASCAR, I'd love to drive a NASCAR (car). I'd love to drive around Daytona for example."

Meanwhile, renowned NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck urged Ricciardo to try NASCAR.

Even if Ricciardo lands a deal with a NASCAR team next year, will it be a one-off appearance like Kamui Kobayashi and Jenson Button, or will it be a full season of competition? Ricciardo said,

"Would I like to compete? Yes and no. But I also know that it’s not what I grew up doing, and I would probably get smoked so like, I don’t know if I need that, but I would love to experience it."

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Daniel Ricciardo reflects on recent honor at the Singapore GP

Daniel Ricciardo in the paddock after the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit (Source: Getty)

Daniel Ricciardo delivered the fastest lap on Sunday, snatching it away from race-winner Lando Norris, and was therefore voted "driver of the day" by the global TV viewers. For Ricciardo, the "driver of the day" title isn't something that drivers long for. However, receiving the honor after what could be his last race felt special.

"Typically the driver of the day thing is maybe not something us drivers look too much into," Ricciardo said during a post-race interview (via Reuters)."But today I can say it's something I'm appreciative of. So that one means a little something."

"Let's say maybe the fairytale ending didn't happen, but I also have to look back on what's been 13 or so years and I'm proud," he added.

While Tsunoda is expected to return next year as the driver of the No. 22 RB machine, fans are left wondering what Ricciardo will do for the remainder of the 2024 season as well in 2025 and ahead.