Daniel Ricciardo’s possible return to F1: A Cadillac prospect for 2026 as new entrant claims big moves – In 2026, Formula 1 will welcome a new team to the grid as Cadillac prepares to make its much-anticipated debut. The iconic American marque, in partnership with Andretti Global, has been rapidly developing its infrastructure to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Amidst the build-up, speculation has already begun as to who might fill the driver’s seats for this new team. According to a recent insider report, the name of Daniel Ricciardo has been closely linked with Cadillac’s entry.
Flavio turns the tables on Doohan
The Ricciardo rumours: An Insider’s View
Belgian motorsport figure Luc Donckerwolke, managing director of Genesis and an established name in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), recently revealed some fascinating details in an interview with *Speedcafe*.
Donckerwolke revealed that Cadillac have reportedly secured Ricciardo for their 2026 Formula 1 line-up. This potential move marks a significant step for Cadillac as they look to establish a high-profile presence in the highly competitive F1 arena.
“I would have loved to have had Daniel on the team,” admitted Donckerwolke, referring to his own pursuit of Ricciardo for Genesis’ WEC project.
“I met him once in Los Angeles in 2017 and with his aura, he would have been the perfect ambassador for the brand. But we monitored the situation and realised that he was committed to Red Bull until 2025.”
However, the revelation that Cadillac had reportedly secured Ricciardo for F1 came as a surprise to the Belgian.
“We heard about his commitment to Cadillac in F1,” Donckerwolke revealed.
Denials and speculation: Ricciardo’s management responds
Despite the bold claims, Ricciardo’s management has publicly denied any finalised agreement with Cadillac. According to the driver’s representatives, no official deal has been struck and the team is still in the early stages of development.
While the denials leave room for speculation, insiders believe talks are well underway given Ricciardo’s availability at the end of 2025, when his current contract with Red Bull expires.
Marko warns Verstappen: “Be careful”
A coveted talent in motorsport
The speculation surrounding Ricciardo’s potential move to Cadillac underlines the Australian driver’s enduring appeal in the world of motorsport.
Known for his vibrant personality and aggressive driving style, Ricciardo remains a fan favourite despite the ups and downs of his racing career. The 35-year-old’s marketability makes him a desirable candidate for any team seeking a mix of talent, experience and star power.
D-Day at Red Bull. Perez departure official
Other opportunities beckon: Toyota interest and NASCAR rumours
While Cadillac may be in the running, they are not the only ones vying for Ricciardo’s services. Toyota have also reportedly expressed a keen interest in the driver. According to a report from *Race.News*, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda has given the green light for an aggressive approach to secure Ricciardo’s involvement in their motorsport endeavours.
Speculation suggests that the Japanese car manufacturer is prepared to offer Ricciardo an unprecedented deal, including financial incentives and a flexible role tailored to his preferences.
Ricciardo’s name has also been floated in connection with other racing series, including NASCAR and the Supercars championship. His potential to move into these formats has fuelled rumours of a wider career move beyond F1. However, Ricciardo himself has remained tight-lipped about his plans beyond 2025, fuelling further intrigue.
Williams land big Ferrari sponsor
Career diversification: Could punditry be on the horizon?
Aside from racing opportunities, Ricciardo has also been linked with a potential role in broadcasting. Sky Sports, one of F1’s leading broadcasters, is reportedly interested in bringing Ricciardo on board as a pundit.
His charismatic on-screen presence and deep understanding of the sport make him a natural fit for such a role, should he decide to step away from competitive racing.
Bottas last race might harm Mercedes in new role
Challenges and opportunities for Cadillac
As Cadillac works to establish itself in F1, the signing of a high-profile driver like Ricciardo could provide a significant boost. However, as a newcomer to the sport, the team faces an uphill battle. Building a competitive car, assembling a skilled team and navigating the complexities of F1’s technical regulations will be key challenges.
Ricciardo’s potential involvement could bring invaluable experience to the fledgling team. With eight Grand Prix wins and stints with top teams including Red Bull and Renault (now Alpine), Ricciardo’s expertise could help Cadillac accelerate its development.
Sainz proves his worth day 1 to Williams
The strategic advantage
Having a driver of Ricciardo’s calibre could also enhance Cadillac’s marketing efforts. The Australian’s global popularity, combined with his American fan base, fits well with Cadillac’s ambitions to strengthen its brand image through F1.
While Ricciardo’s immediate focus remains on his current commitments with Red Bull as a reserve driver, the 2026 season looms as a potential turning point in his career. Whether he ends up with Cadillac, Toyota or another series altogether, one thing is certain: Daniel Ricciardo remains a key figure in the motorsport landscape.
For now, fans and analysts alike will continue to speculate as the pieces of the puzzle slowly fall into place. Will Ricciardo make a triumphant return to F1 as the face of the new Cadillac team, or will he take his career in a different direction? The world of motorsport awaits the next move from this ever-charismatic star.
READ MORE – Marko calls out F1 stewarding bias
READ MORE F1 NEWs – Veteran F1 journalist: “The worry for Hamilton…”
Lewis Hamilton’s twelve year tenure with the Mercedes team is now complete. He heads for Ferrari next year in an effort to reset his stumbling F1 career. Lewis and George Russell. Entered their final race together level on points across the three years as team mates.
Yet his last lap brilliance in overtaking George Russell around the outside of turn 9 meant that Hamilton finished their time together with the most points. Only Jenson Button during the three years they were partnered at McLaren managed to outscore Hamilton along with Nico Rosberg who claimed the 2016 drivers championship.
However, this was a small victory for Lewis over George given Russell stepped up from Williams and claimed the Mercedes honours for the campaign in 2022. Again this year the younger man had the upper hand despite a 32 point swing in favour of the seven times world champion when Russell won the race in Spa-Francorchamps only to be disqualified for his car being under weight. Hamilton was promoted to the top step of the podium, making it the second race of the year where he was victorious… READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
