Will DANIEL RICCIARDO be at the AUSTIN F1 RACE?

In my video I walked the paddock at the 2025 Austin Grand Prix and tried to answer the question on many fans’ minds: will Daniel Ricciardo show up in Austin this year? I spent day one soaking up the vibe, chatting to organisers and drivers, and snapping a few photos so I could bring you a clear picture of what went down. Below is a full write-up of the highlights, what the paddock was talking about, and practical notes for anyone heading to COTA.

Why everyone thought Daniel Ricciardo might appear

Daniel Ricciardo has a genuine relationship with Austin. Earlier this week he flew in to visit his Enchante pop-up store, and for many locals and fans that rekindled memories of Daniel’s energy at the United States Grand Prix. He’s been such a crowd favourite here that he was even declared an honorary Texan in 2024.

“The pride of being a Texan runs deep. It is more than a feeling. His determination on the track mirrors the spirit of Texas, unwavering and always striving for excellence. Being a Texan is not about where you’re from, it’s about who you are.”

That quote came via the governor’s office and captures why many expected Daniel to drop by the paddock for Media Day. He’s long mixed in with locals, arriving in town early and enjoying the city as much as the race. For fans, his presence felt as natural as breakfast tacos are to an Austin morning.

So was he at the track?

Short answer: no. Despite being only about a 25-minute drive from Circuit of the Americas, Daniel did not appear at Media Day. There are a couple of reasons that explain why this might be the case.

• His last Formula 1 appearance was at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, and the relationship with V-Carb that led to his exit still feels raw to some. That kind of fallout can make public paddock appearances complicated.
• Daniel is a Ford Racing Ambassador, and while Ford is ramping up for a big moment in 2026, his Austin presence this week was focused on the Enchante pop-up rather than any Ford activation at the track.
• Logistics and timing: he’s leaving town on Saturday, which ruled out an impromptu Friday or Saturday pop-in.

It’s a shame for fans — last year there were plans to present him with the keys to the city, and when that didn’t happen the circuit placed large books around fan zones for people to share messages. The affection was real; the timing wasn’t.

Paddock fashion, gifts and the tortoiseshell V-Carb livery

One thing you can always count on at COTA is flair. The paddock was alive with colour and a few surprising trends this year.

First up, V-Carb’s tortoiseshell livery was impossible to miss — bold, shiny and a talking point the minute the drivers arrived. Lewis Hamilton turned heads in casual gear (it’s rare to see him relaxed at a track), complete with a striking pearl ring that had photographers lining up. When someone asked whether Lewis would rock a cowboy hat in Texas, I’d say he’s not a hat man — but he’s got the style to own whatever he wears.

Boots were the accessory of the day. Several drivers were given ostrich boots from a brand called Tecovas — one of those partnerships where the brand wants the driver to help take their boots global. Pierre Gasly and other drivers received boots and personalised belt buckles stamped with initials and numbers. Ford had a quirky little invention on show too: a belt-mounted holder to carry a key fob behind a buckle so you don’t lose the key while out on the town.

And yes, cowboy hats were present. Esteban looked sharp in his but admitted he wasn’t brave enough to pair the hat with the boots on the same day — balance is important when you’re public-facing and photographed every two minutes.

Drivers catching up — McLaren, Oscar, Lando and Max’s straight shooting

COTA had crossover moments too. IndyCar drivers Christian Munger, Nolan Siegel and Pato O’Ward were in the paddock and had a decent chat with Oscar Piastri. Oscar was dressed casually, like someone who’d come from a morning workout — a big contrast to Lando Norris’s dressed-up look in a brown jumper and heavy denim trousers that looked like chaps from a distance.

There was a light-hearted moment in the press conference when Max Verstappen was asked whether McLaren favoured Lando over Oscar. Max’s one-word assessment was blunt and to the point: absolutely. He also joked that his dad would make a cracking team principal, and under that kind of guidance everybody would get a fair crack — no papaya rules, no favouritism. It’s the kind of candid talk that makes Media Day entertaining.

Turn one redevelopment and new hospitality ideas

One of the most interesting developments I saw were the drawings and plans for Turn One at COTA. The proposal includes a private members’ club that looks extravagant — top-tier hospitality and a layout more commonly associated with some international races in other regions. There’s also a proposed cable car feature similar to Miami’s, though it wouldn’t operate during track sessions. It’s an ambitious approach to enhancing the spectator experience and building new premium revenue streams.

Off-track events, watches and fan activations

COTA is more than cars — it’s an event. I popped into a restaurant space taken over by IWC and Mercedes where a lot of drivers and guests congregate. The displays of watches were impressive, and there were a few police officers standing guard to make sure nothing walked off the wall. It’s a reminder that the F1 weekend attracts big-ticket items and very public displays.

For fans, there are accessible activations. Williams had an activation at the corner of 8th and Congress: free entry, sim racing setups, a chance to change a wheel on a practice car, and reflex tests. It’s a great draw for families and fans who want a hands-on experience without a big price tag.

Relics, memories and the little moments

One cool find was a relic card from Valtteri Bottas — a small piece of his race suit encased as memorabilia. These items give fans a tactile connection to the sport. On a personal note, one fan told me his first race memory was seeing Lewis Hamilton do donuts back when those sorts of celebrations were still allowed — a vivid reminder of how moments like that can hook someone on racing for life.

Practicalities: hotels, prices and saving money

If you’re planning to come to Austin for the race, do your wallets a favour and book early. I checked hotel prices and the difference between last-minute bookings and planning a few weeks ahead is stark.

• Cambria Hotel: race weekend last-minute $2,270; three weeks out about $978.
• The Tommy Hotel: last-minute $3,400; three weeks early around $1,200.
• Thompson Hotel: three weeks out $2,250; last-minute around $7,700.
• The Western: three weeks out $1,600; last-minute $3,900.
• The Fairmont (where many drivers stay): last-minute $11,000; three to four weeks ahead around $1,600.

Also budget for parking — most places were charging about $74 per day including taxes. The takeaway is simple: if you want to avoid paying a premium, book as early as you can and consider hotels a short drive away if you don’t need to be right in the thick of the tourism strip.

Final thoughts — did Daniel Ricciardo make it?

Despite the buzz, Daniel Ricciardo did not appear at Media Day or the paddock during my visit. He remains a beloved figure in Austin and a true ambassador for the sport and the city, but this trip was focused on his Enchante venture rather than a surprise paddock appearance.

That said, Austin felt alive. The tortoiseshell liveries, boots, belt buckles, planned turn one upgrades and fan activations are proof that COTA continues to innovate and entertain. Whether or not Daniel drops in is a question of timing, relationships and logistics — but the race weekend itself delivered everything fans come for: personality, spectacle and the odd bit of proper racing theatre.

FAQ

Will Daniel Ricciardo attend the Austin Grand Prix events this year?

No. During my visit Daniel Ricciardo did not appear at the paddock or Media Day. He did visit his Enchante pop-up in Austin earlier in the week but did not make an official appearance at the circuit.

Why didn’t Daniel Ricciardo show up at the track?

There are a few likely reasons: lingering fallout from his departure from his last team, priorities tied to his Enchante pop-up, and scheduling — he was leaving town on Saturday which made a late paddock visit unlikely.

Is Daniel Ricciardo an ambassador for Ford Racing?

Yes. Daniel is listed as a Ford Racing Ambassador, but his Austin activities this year were centred around his brand rather than a Ford activation on-site at the circuit.

What are some must-see fan activities at COTA?

Look for team activations near downtown — Williams had a free fan zone with sim rigs and wheel-change demos — plus branded pop-ups, driver meet-and-greets, and off-track experiences like watch and hospitality events in town.

How can I save money on hotels for the race weekend?

Book as early as possible. Last-minute rates can be several times higher than prices available three to four weeks before the event. Consider hotels slightly further from the circuit to save money and factor in parking costs, which were about $74 per day during this race weekend.