Daniel Ricciardo Insider Responds To Cadillac F1 Team Entry Rumors

Daniel Ricciardo has firmly denied any interest in joining General Motors’ Cadillac team for its 2026 debut on the F1 grid. Reports emanating from sources like the German newspaper Bild suggested a potential tie between Ricciardo and Cadillac, stating an agreement in principle had been made. However, insider information from ESPN refutes these claims, asserting that the seasoned Australian driver “has not been contacted and he has no interest” in any move to Cadillac.

This development comes amid Ricciardo’s exit from Formula 1. Known for his charismatic presence, Ricciardo was recently released from his association with Red Bull’s RB sister team.

This departure has led him to conclude his career in Formula 1, closing the lid on ambitions to return to competitive racing with a top-tier team like Red Bull. His last active stint concluded after the Singapore Grand Prix, marking the end of a long-standing relationship with the team where he flourished as a driver.

Ricciardo’s illustrious Formula 1 career includes eight race victories over 257 Grand Prix starts. His most recent win was the 2021 Italian Grand Prix with McLaren. Despite his successes, his time with RB bore little fruit, and he was eventually replaced by Liam Lawson.

As Cadillac readies itself for its 2026 F1 entry, its decision to wait for a seasoned driver remains front and center. Backed by substantial Formula 1 support and with Ferrari supplying its power units, Cadillac represents an ambitious project for an American team.

Yet Ricciardo’s dismissal of the rumored connection proves his contentment with observing from the sidelines, potentially looking elsewhere for his racing kicks.

The idea of Ricciardo joining Cadillac is intriguing, primarily due to his enduring popularity in North America, bolstered by the Netflix series Drive to Survive. This show’s spotlight on personalities like Ricciardo has helped foster a growing American fanbase for Formula 1 and its drivers. Cadillac’s entry aligns with Liberty Media’s comprehensive strategy to further captivate the U.S. market, with industry figures such as Liberty Media President Greg Maffei highlighting potential growth and increased interest in the sport in the US.

As Ricciardo moves away from Formula 1, he may have a route back into motorsport set out for him already. A speculative $10 million contract offer from Toyota could potentially lure him to race their GR Supra or venture into NASCAR—although Ricciardo has remained silent on these rumors. His once-expressed ambition to honor NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt by racing with the number 3 seems to have subdued over time.

General Motors, under Mark Reuss’s leadership, reinforces its commitment to excellence as it navigates its upcoming F1 debut. The partnership with Ferrari for technical components enhances its capability to stand amid established teams. Daniel Ricciardo, though currently detached from Formula 1, represents the caliber of drivers that such teams aspire to attract, albeit the real likelihood of his participation seems negligible at present.