Daniel Ricciardo arriving to the Singapore GP, Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Ricciardo makes 'pretty exciting' racing-related announcement

13:07, 21 Dec

byTobia Elia

Daniel Ricciardo has announced a new initiative through his 'DRS' project aimed at supporting the development and rise of young drivers.

“We’re going to be selecting – and by ‘we’, I also mean me – two drivers between the ages of 14 and 17 for the Ginetta Junior Scholarship”

- Daniel Ricciardo

The Australian driver, who hung up his helmet at the end of last season and has since become a Ford ambassador, launched the Daniel Ricciardo Series back in 2019 to give young drivers the chance to progress without having to worry about financial constraints.

The Australian is set to personally help select two drivers from the Daniel Ricciardo Series who will progress to the 2026 Ginetta Junior Scholarship assessment.

Scheduled for October 2026, the evaluation will see the two DRS drivers go head-to-head with other shortlisted candidates in a wide-ranging programme both on and off the track, covering fitness, media skills, driving performance and racecraft.

Daniel Ricciardo smiling - Photo: RacePictures

The overall winner will be awarded a fully funded seat in the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship, the feeder series that runs alongside the British Touring Car Championship.

Announcing the new initiative via the Daniel Ricciardo Series (DRS) account, the Australian said: “DRS drivers, just want to wish you very happy holidays. I know another year has passed, it goes quick, but I hope you had a great time on track. I know I saw plenty of smiles in the summer, so I hope they continue until the end.

“To keep them going, some news for 2026 is we’re going to be selecting – and by ‘we’, I also mean me – two drivers between the ages of 14 and 17 for the Ginetta Junior Scholarship. So that’s pretty exciting, to get the chance to drive a race car and experience that.

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“If any of you want to just race karts and experience what it’s like to go wheel to wheel, that is more than what we’re about, but also for starting your racing career, it’s all there for you, so plenty of room in the DRS cadet and junior series.

“I’ll also be at some races next year. Look forward to seeing you. Until then, have a wonderful holiday, enjoy some time off and see you in 2026.”

Tsunoda picks one word that says it all about Daniel Ricciardo

The Australian driver was not only admired for his ability behind the wheel, but also cherished throughout the paddock for his larger-than-life personality and ever-present smile.

It is a character that is sorely missed within the paddock and one that still makes him one of the most popular figures in the sport, despite no longer racing.

When asked to describe Daniel Ricciardo in a single word, here is how Tsunoda summed him up.

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