3 minute read

Supercars chief Shane Howard has extended an open invitation to former F1 star Daniel Ricciardo to tackle the iconic Bathurst 1000.

If Daniel Ricciardo wants a shot at conquering Mount Panorama in the Bathurst 1000, he only has to say so.

The charismatic Australian driver's Formula One career may be over but the door to a Supercars stint is wide open, Supercars chief Shane Howard says.

Eight-time F1 race winner Ricciardo was let go by Red Bull Racing in September ahead of the US Grand Prix following a disappointing 2024 campaign, bringing to an end a 14-year-long F1 career.

While most of the speculation around the 35-year-old's future has linked him to a potential move to IndyCar or NASCAR in the US, Howard issued an open invitation to Ricciardo as the Supercars championship prepares for Sunday's showpiece Bathurst 1000.

Ricciardo has spoken previously about wanting an opportunity to compete for the title of King of the Mountain at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.

He has also sampled Supercars machinery in previous years.

"If Daniel's listening, we want you to race here," Howard said on Thursday.

"Wouldn't that be fantastic? To have someone of Daniel Ricciardo's quality as a driver.

"He's got an enormous personality. To have him in one of our cars would be very special.

"We've got an open invite to Daniel."

Howard said earlier this month Supercars would reach out to Ricciardo's management at an appropriate time following his F1 axing.

Ricciardo has been replaced by New Zealander Liam Lawson, 22, for the remainder of the F1 season.