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

Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo and Canadian actor Will Arnett will co-host three alternative broadcasts of Formula 1 races this season.

ESPN has 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 would expect, Will and I are going to have some fun with the show, but we hope it feels like watching F1 with your friends.

“We will have great guests, lots of laughs and with a bit of luck bring fans one step closer to the sport I love so much. Buckle up America!’

Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett will provide an alternative broadcast of Formula 1 events

The pair will be televised three Grand Prix races this season, live on ESPN 2

Arnett, who hosted an F1 podcast with racing legend Mika Hakkinen, said he is excited about the opportunity to expand.

“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 has been fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to doing this show with Daniel. We’re going to have fun, and the viewers too.’

“As the popularity of Formula 1 continues to grow in the United States, we are excited to offer fans another way to enjoy the sport, and a way for new fans to learn more about it,” said Kate Jackson, ESPN Vice President of Production. .

Daniel’s bubbly personality will resonate on television, as will his practical knowledge.

“And we’re really excited to be working with Will. He will bring a dedicated F1 fan’s perspective to the broadcasts, as well as his unique and humorous way of appreciating F1. It will be a nice combination.’

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

Peyton and his brother Eli began hosting alternative broadcasts of Monday Night Football on ESPN2 in 2021 called the “Manningcast.”

“It’s great to be working with ESPN to extend the ‘megacast’ format to F1,” said Peyton Manning.

These simulcasts are carried on ESPN by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions

“We are thrilled to be doing this project with Daniel and Will. They are good friends who bring expertise and fun to the broadcast.’

Ricciardo currently has no permanent seat after being bought out of his drive at McLaren last season.

He has returned to Red Bull as a test driver for the 2023 season and is waiting in the wings for his next move.

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