On the Brink of Sad F1 Exit, NASCAR Owner Expresses Major Interest in Daniel Ricciardo to Mixed Reaction From Fans

NASCAR has had a budding relationship with F1 in recent years and Project 91 is given a lot of credit for that. Well, this relationship could grow even more, as there are murmurs of a Daniel Ricciardo possibly heading to NASCAR.

Project 91’s intention is to find world-class drivers from different motorsports and bring them to NASCAR. The possible introduction of Daniel Ricciardo would supercharge the program as well as the sport, given the global following of F1 and the Australian himself.

Ricciardo currently stands without a seat (pun intended) for the 2023 season of F1. He has not been at the receiving end of any attractive offers from F1 teams. There has been an offer from the IndyCar series but Ricciardo has not reciprocated the interest.

A similar interest, it now seems, is also originating from Project 91 and NASCAR. Justin Marks, the co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, said “[Daniel Ricciardo is] aware of Project 91 and he knows that there’s interest on our side, (but) I think he’s figuring out what his F1 deal is.”

Read More: Inefficient Daniel Ricciardo Warned of “Lazy” F1 Decision, Asked to Settle Instead: “If You’re an Alonso, a Schumacher…”

By the looks of it, the 33-year-old Australian looks to be clinging on to hopes of a late offer from an F1 team. The chances of that however look increasingly slim.

Team Daniel Ricciardo voices their thoughts

Ricciardo’s fans have come to back him as this news broke out. Some have shown support for him, and have criticized McLaren’s treatment of the fan favorite.

At the same time, some have asked to give the Aussie some more thinking time. It is a valid point given the amount of media attention his lack of certainty regarding 2023 is getting.

Few don’t think the move has the legs to go the distance.

Others are of the opinion that the Aussie is just not good enough. They seem to be sounding the death knell for his career. A little harsh, one would think.

Fans always are very emotional and passionate when it comes to their favorite teams (or rivals). One must always take these views with a pinch of salt.

Watch This Story: Spectacular Helmet Designs ft. Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris

Ricciardo has been a fan favorite. His contagious smile and happy personality were always a welcome sight around the paddocks in years prior. However, the lack of all that as well as his incisive skills are a cause for concern. Fans hope they can see The Honey Badger back, happy as ever.