BREAKING:Insider comments on Daniel Ricciardo’s possible return to… read more
Rumors about Daniel Ricciardo potentially making a Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac in 2026 have been firmly dismissed by well-known F1 insider Kym Illman. According to Illman, who spoke with GP Fans, there is no truth to the speculation surrounding Ricciardo’s return. When questioned about the possibility of the Australian joining Cadillac’s debut lineup, Illman responded emphatically, stating, “No! Not in a fit. Absolutely not. I know stuff. He won’t be back.”
Ricciardo, a veteran of 13 F1 seasons, saw his most recent stint in the sport come to an end in 2024 when Red Bull’s junior team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB), dropped him mid-season. After earning just 12 points in 18 races, Ricciardo was replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Despite hopes from some fans and media outlets, Ricciardo did not manage to secure a seat for the 2025 season and has since been on a sabbatical from the sport.
Speculation regarding his return began to circulate over the winter break, particularly linking him with Cadillac, the new team backed by General Motors that is set to enter Formula 1 in 2026. While Cadillac has yet to confirm any drivers for its debut season, their interest in experienced drivers led to rumors connecting Ricciardo with one of their seats. However, Ricciardo himself appeared to put an end to those rumors. When asked by a fan if he might drive for Cadillac in 2026, Ricciardo replied bluntly, “I’m done.”
The rumors gained momentum as the team remained quiet about its lineup. However, alternative candidates have emerged as more likely contenders for the Cadillac seats. Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has reportedly become a front-runner for a spot, even attending Cadillac’s team event at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Other names under consideration include Mick Schumacher, Colton Herta, Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu.
Following Ricciardo’s dismissal from VCARB, Red Bull promoted Liam Lawson to the senior team at the start of the 2025 season. Although Lawson was quickly demoted after two races, Red Bull did not reconsider Ricciardo for a return. Team advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that Ricciardo was never in contention. Speaking to Motorsport, Marko explained that Ricciardo’s presence in F1 essentially ended after the 2024 Singapore GP, and despite a brief appearance at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, he had not engaged with the paddock since.
Red Bull ultimately filled the Racing Bulls vacancy with promising junior driver Isack Hadjar. Meanwhile, Ricciardo continues to enjoy life away from Formula 1. Though Cadillac initially appeared to offer a possible path back, recent insider statements have likely closed that chapter, casting serious doubt on any future F1 return for the popular Australian.
