We honestly don’t know why it took this long for an F1 broadcaster to leverage the charms of Daniel Ricciardo for their commentary booth, but it’s finally happening with ESPN’s alternate telecast The Grandstand.
The eight-time grand prix winner, who is currently contracted as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, is getting behind the mic alongside actor-comedian Will Arnett (Arrested Development, BoJack Horseman) for the 2023 season’s remaining North American events. Starting with the forthcoming Montreal Grand Prix hosted at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
“This is going to be a hoot!” said Australia’s most beloved export.
“As you’d expect, Will and I are going to have some fun with the show, but we’re hoping it just feels like you’re watching F1 with your mates.”
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“We will have some amazing guests, plenty of laughs and with some luck, bring fans another step closer to the sport I love so much. Buckle up America!”
Arnett added: “The more I learn about Formula 1, the more I‘m intrigued by it.”
“The opportunity to work with [two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen] on my podcast was fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to doing this show with Daniel. We’re going to have fun, and so will the viewers.”
ESPN’s The Grandstand is essentially an extension of the trend popularised by Monday Night Football‘s Manningcast featuring retired NFL quarterback greats slash brothers Peyton and Eli Manning; and is actually set to be produced by the former’s Omaha Productions.
Once again, Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett will make their F1 commentary debuts on ESPN’s The Grandstand this weekend at the Montreal Grand Prix (June 18th) with United States Grand Prix (October 23rd) and Las Vegas Grand Prix (November 19th) to follow.
IT'S OFFICIAL 🏁
— ESPN (@espn) June 8, 2023
Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett are teaming up to produce an alternate F1 telecast at three races this year on ESPN 👏@ESPNF1 | @OmahaProd pic.twitter.com/G19f8RiPS0
