Daniel Ricciardo has announced a new initiative with the aim of helping teenage drivers begin their motor racing careers. The 36-year-old launched the Daniel Ricciardo Series (DRS) in 2019, with fledgling racers provided with opportunities to progress in the sport without worrying about financial limitations.

Ricciardo enjoyed a stellar career in F1 and spent five seasons driving for Red Bull between 2014 and 2018, as he won seven Grands Prix. The popular Australian went on to spend two seasons with Alpine, when they were known as Renault, and a couple of years with McLaren, where he secured an eighth race victory. He then had a stint with Racing Bulls in 2023 and 2024 but was dropped by Red Bull’s junior team last September and was replaced by Liam Lawson for the final six races of the campaign.

In September, Ricciardo declared that his racing days were “behind” him as he officially called time on his F1 career.

He then revealed a new role as an ambassador for the Ford Racing project, working with the Ford Raptor truck line.

But the talented driver will also have his attention on his DRS project next year, where he will personally help select a couple of drivers to feature at the 2026 Ginetta Junior Scholarship assessment.

Ricciardo will be involved in next October’s evaluation event, where two DRS drivers will compete with other candidates for the chance to be awarded a fully-funded seat in the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship.

The evaluation will see youngsters undertaking a wide-ranging programme to assess their driving performance, racecraft, fitness and media skills.

And announcing the initiative, Ricciardo explained on Instagram: “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.

“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.”