Daniel Ricciardo tipped for racing return after Red Bull and V… read more
Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career has taken a dramatic turn in recent years, culminating in what appears to be an unofficial exit from the sport. After being dropped from the main Red Bull team and subsequently replaced at the junior Racing Bulls squad by rising star Liam Lawson, Ricciardo’s prospects in F1 have diminished significantly. Although he has never officially announced his retirement, the Australian fan-favourite has all but confirmed he is “done” with the sport, according to recent interviews. This revelation comes amidst ongoing speculation about his future and potential return through the new Cadillac F1 team, which is set to enter the sport in 2026 under General Motors (GM). Despite his status as a beloved figure in motorsport, Ricciardo seems content with stepping away from the grid, leaving behind a legacy that includes eight Grand Prix wins and 32 podium finishes across his 13-season career.
While Ricciardo has distanced himself from the idea of a comeback in F1, that hasn’t stopped rumours of his involvement in other racing disciplines from swirling. NASCAR and the Supercars Championship in his native Australia are the two most frequently mentioned alternatives. Ricciardo’s immense popularity and proven track record make him a prime candidate for teams looking to attract attention and credibility. The recent comments by five-time Supercars Champion Mark Skaife underscore just how valuable Ricciardo’s presence could be outside of F1. Speaking to Speedcafe, Skaife urged GM to pursue star drivers like Ricciardo to elevate their competitiveness and public appeal, saying, “The policy around having superstar drivers—I can’t emphasise enough how essential it is.
Skaife pointed to the example of Max Verstappen at Red Bull, emphasizing that without their lead driver, the team would lack the dominant edge it enjoys today. For GM, a company expanding its motorsport footprint, bringing in a superstar could be key to building instant credibility and fan support. Skaife even suggested that GM should consider Ricciardo or Matt Campbell, among others, as cornerstone drivers for their upcoming racing projects. He acknowledged that while GM’s reported interest in Supercars ace Cam Waters was promising, the brand might benefit even more from thinking outside the traditional talent pool and reaching for internationally recognized names.
Though Ricciardo has remained relatively quiet about his future racing ambitions, his social media activity offers some insight. Rather than discussing potential comebacks or new contracts, Ricciardo has focused largely on promoting his business ventures, such as his DR3 wine label and collaborations in fashion and lifestyle. Occasionally, he has used his platform for light-hearted jabs, including playful posts about former team-mate Max Verstappen. These moves suggest a driver who has mentally moved on from the intense demands of F1 and is exploring life beyond the cockpit.
Meanwhile, other drivers who found themselves without seats in 2024—like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez—have taken the opposite approach. Both have been openly vocal about their desire to return to F1 and are reportedly engaged in discussions with various teams. This contrast further highlights Ricciardo’s silence as a sign that he may truly be finished with F1, even if he hasn’t said it in so many words.
In conclusion, while Daniel Ricciardo has not officially retired from Formula 1, all signs point to the end of his time on the grid. His lack of interest in a return, combined with his growing involvement in off-track ventures and endorsements, suggests a new chapter is already well underway. However, his talent and charisma remain undeniable, and as Mark Skaife and others have argued, he could still play a vital role in motorsport—just not in the paddocks of F1.
