US Grand Prix promoter Bobby Epstein has invited Daniel Ricciardo: even if you’re not racing, why don’t you come to the race with us?

The Formula 1 event at Circuit of The Americas is fast approaching and with Ricciardo no longer in his VCARB seat, no one knows what will happen for the Australian. Still, he should consider going to Austin, Texas, just to be there for the U.S. Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo has adopted the ethos of the American Grand Prix

Whatever you think of Daniel Ricciardo’s attempts to adopt Texas flair in the form of cowboy hats, boots and horses to ride around the paddock, it’s clear the driver is doing everything he can because he loves the area.

As a result, he has become an unintentional mascot for the US Grand Prix at COTA. Daniel Ricciardo has adopted the ethos of the American Grand Prix, and in kind Texas has adopted him as one of its own. Without an American driver on the grid, Ricciardo is the closest thing we have to a national hype man.

With no driving duties on his schedule, Ricciardo could run an extensive promotional program throughout the weekend, bringing him closer to fans and/or using his popularity to sell those last few seats.

Furthermore, with the US Grand Prix promoting a two-day ticket package to take advantage of Saturday’s football match at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Ricciardo could become the spokesperson for both events.

American fans love Daniel Ricciardo

When the COVID-19 pandemic confined millions of Americans to their homes, many people turned to Netflix to alleviate the boredom and unpredictability of the situation – and many were fascinated by the Formula 1 world depicted in Drive to survive.

Daniel Ricciardo – with his broad smile and ever-present jokes – quickly rose to the status of ‘fan favorite’. The Australian has seemed more relatable to American audiences than some of his compatriots, and fans have also responded to his genuine enthusiasm for all things Americana.

No, it’s not likely that die-hard Dan Ric fans will sell their US Grand Prix tickets and boycott the event, but many people have still expressed disappointment that they wouldn’t be able to see their favorite driver race in person.

Formula 1 may feel deeply inhospitable to many of the demographics Ricciardo appeals to: younger viewers, Americans, women. Ricciardo would nevertheless generate a lot of goodwill and positivity from a fanbase that may be feeling disillusioned at the moment.

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The paddock is a great place to make connections

While the Red Bull organization has retained Daniel Ricciardo in an ambassadorial role for the remainder of 2024, the Australian’s future plans have just been seriously challenged. But there is no better place to make connections than a Formula 1 paddock.

High-ranking business people and celebrities are common in F1, but the growing status of the sport in the United States has really turned the US Grand Prix into a great place to socialize.

Ricciardo has many broad interests that extend far beyond motorsport. He has a fashion brand, is working with a winery and is exploring producing a Hulu comedy series based on Formula 1. When he’s not signing autographs or answering questions, Ricciardo would be well positioned to build a great future for himself.

The best way out is always through

Why would Daniel Ricciardo go to the American Grand Prix? It might just be good for him.

While many of us have experienced heartbreak and disappointment in our lives, few of us will ever face the same level of public pain that Ricciardo experienced when his racing career was called into question ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. It’s a big ask to ask him to come to the next Formula 1 race, but it could be good for him.

As poet Robert Frost wrote, “The best way out is always through.” By taking on an ambassadorial role at Red Bull, Ricciardo will inevitably be asked to appear on track this year. Why not top it off at an event that Ricciardo will welcome with open arms?

Read the following: Make the most of the US Grand Prix with PlanetF1.com’s ultimate guide to Austin, Texas