Daniel Ricciardo has been tipped as a top candidate for the 2026 Cadillac Formula 1 project, according to a report.
Ricciardo was replaced at the Faenza-based RB outfit by New Zealander Liam Lawson after September’s Singapore Grand Prix.
That has left the popular Australian without a full-time drive for 2025, forcing him into a second F1 hiatus.
However, the arrival of General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team in 2026 opens up two extra spots on the grid for experienced drivers like Ricciardo to make a comeback.
German newspaper Bild has reported that “The Australian is the big favourite for a cockpit at the American racing team.”
Not only is Ricciardo an experienced F1 driver with 257 GP starts and a proven track record of eight race victories.
Moreover, the Australian’s winning personality makes him a hugely marketable asset for any team and his popularity in North America has soared thanks to being a leading face on Netflix’s Drive to Survive docuseries.
Bild writes that “[Ricciardo’s] comeback at Cadillac would catapult the new team’s popularity from zero to 100.”
That opinion is also shared by Sky Sports F1 pundit Naomi Schiff, who said “Initially it might be wise to have an experienced driver in the seat to help the team grow quickly.
“Valtteri, or Danny Ric? He’s popular with the American audience.”
Multiple motorsport outfits competing for Ricciardo’s signature
Cadillac has yet to make any official comment on the drivers it wants to spearhead its project, having only just been granted its place on the 2026 grid last month.
Ricciardo also hasn’t made any moves regarding his future, instead enjoying his time out of the spotlight.
Still, that hasn’t stopped motorsport outfits from dropping his name as a potential suitor.
Race.news reports that Ricciardo is subject to a $10 million bid from Toyota to boost its presence in the USA and Australia via NASCAR and Supercars respectively.
Moreover, the recently announced Genesis Hypercar project, slated for a 2026 entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship is also keen on the Australian’s services.
“I would have loved to have Danny,” Hyundai Motor Group CCO Luc Donckerwolke told Speedcafe.
“I met him in LA in late 2017, I think, and I find his aura… he’s a perfect brand ambassador.
“So we looked at it and then we said ‘okay, he’s still bound for 2025 to Red Bull until the end of the season and then now we heard about his commitment … Cadillac in Formula 1, which is great.”
Despite Donkerwolke name-dropping Cadillac in his discussions, there appears to be no truth that Ricciardo has held discussions with the American marque.
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