- Daniel Ricciardo confirmed to appear at the 2025 Raptor Rally in Lake Havasu
- Owners can bring their own Raptors to the rally for guided off-road fun
- Ricciardo’s Enchante brand launches exclusive apparel with Ford at the event
Ford has found its newest star: Daniel Ricciardo. After stepping away from Formula 1 last month, the Australian driver has settled into his new role as Ford’s Global Racing Ambassador. His first major appearance comes later this October at the Raptor Rally in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
From F1 to Ford’s Raptor Lifestyle
Ford
Believe it or not, Ricciardo’s connection to Ford’s high-performance trucks isn’t just some new sponsorship perk. He bought his first Raptor in 2017, long before his ambassadorship, and describes it as “freedom and everything I wanted as a kid.” Sure, Formula 1 and off-road driving might seem like complete opposites, but Ricciardo has never shied away from a challenge. Interestingly, he’s not the only F1 driver tied to Ford these days. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen recently got behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang GTD, too.
What to Expect at Raptor Rally 2025
Ford
The Raptor Rally isn’t your run-of-the-mill redneck rally. Instead, it’s the perfect opportunity for owners to bring their own vehicles and experience them the way they were meant to be driven. Whether it’s the Ford Ranger Raptor, the Bronco Raptor, or the F-150 Raptor, participants will have the opportunity to join curated off-road runs alongside fellow enthusiasts. Ricciardo’s involvement won’t be your typical impersonal sponsorship appearance either. Instead of just showing up to wave from a stage, he says he’s excited to “see your Raptors in action, and to meet so many of you who are just as passionate about these machines as I am.” On top of that, he’s weaving in another one of his passions. His clothing brand, Enchante, is partnering with Ford to drop limited-edition pieces tied to the Raptor Rally.
Ricciardo’s New Focus
Ford
After stepping away from Formula 1 – even parting with his Aston Martin Valkyrie – Ricciardo seems to have found his new home with Ford. While the extent of their relationship remains up in the air, one thing remains certain: his love for cars is still strong; it’s just a bit different this time around. Whether you’re a fan of Formula 1, Ford, or Ricciardo himself, the 2025 Raptor Rally promises a mix of everything that’s good in the world with the Honey Badger right at the center.
Related: Valkyrie Owner Sues Aston Martin Because $3.5M Hypercar Is ‘Too Dangerous To Drive’
