Daniel Ricciardo snapped up by ESPN to host ‘alternate telecast’ with actor and comedian Will Arnett

Australian racing driver Daniel Ricciardo and Canadian actor Will Arnett will co-host three alternate telecasts of Formula One races this season.

ESPN announced that the pair will team up for the Canadian Grand Prix on June 18, the United States Grand Prix from Austin on October 22, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 18 for a show titled ‘The Grandstand’.

In a press release, Ricciardo expressed his eagerness to break into American television. 

‘This is going to be a hoot!’ said Ricciardo. ‘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. 

‘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!’

Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett will be hosting an alternate telecast of Formula One events

The pair will be on television for three grand prix races this season live on ESPN 2

Arnett, who hosted an F1 podcast with racing legend Mika Hakkinen, said he’s excited for the chance to branch out. 

‘The more I learn about Formula 1, the more I’m intrigued by it,’ said Arnett. ‘The opportunity to work with Mika 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.’ 

‘As Formula 1’s popularity continues to grow in the United States, we’re pleased to provide fans with another way to enjoy the sport, and a way for new fans to learn more about it,’ said Kate Jackson, ESPN’s Vice President of Production.

‘Daniel’s effervescent personality will resonate on television, as will his hands-on knowledge.

‘And we’re very excited to be working with Will. He will bring the perspective of a dedicated fan of F1 to the telecasts as well as his unique and humorous way of appreciating F1. It will be a great combination.’

These will be run by Omaha Productions – the entertainment company run started by Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.

Peyton and his brother Eli began hosting alternate broadcasts of Monday Night Football in 2021 on ESPN2, called the ‘Manningcast’.

‘It’s great to be partnering with ESPN to expand the ‘megacast’ format into F1,’ Peyton Manning said. 

These simulcasts will be run on ESPN by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions

‘We are excited to do this project with Daniel and Will. They are good friends who will bring expertise and fun to the broadcast.’ 

Ricciardo is currently out of a permanent seat after being bought out of his drive at McLaren last season.

He’s made a return to Red Bull as a test driver for the 2023 season and has been waiting in the wings for his next move.

Rumors have speculated that Ricciardo could make the move to Red Bull’s sister team Alpha Tauri – with suggestions saying they’re not happy with the performance of rookie Nyck de Vries.