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Daniel Ricciardo Rejects US F1 Team Amid Comeback Speculation

Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career has taken another turn following reports of interest from rival teams, including Cadillac F1. The Australian driver, who once held a celebrated position in the sport, appears to have shut down speculation about a potential return to the grid.

Ricciardo, an eight-time grand prix winner, saw a turbulent end to his full-time F1 career. He was first dropped by McLaren at the end of the 2022 season in favor of young talent Oscar Piastri. This left Ricciardo without a seat for 2023, leading him back to the Red Bull family as a reserve driver. However, an unexpected opportunity arose when AlphaTauri (now rebranded as Visa CashApp RB) axed rookie Nick de Vries mid-2023 due to underperformance, offering Ricciardo a second chance to revive his career.

The 2024 season, however, proved challenging for Ricciardo, as he struggled to deliver consistent results. Despite hopes of regaining form, he was comprehensively outperformed by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda. The low point came at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Ricciardo’s disappointing P18 finish sealed his fate. Red Bull opted to replace him with reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.

Following Ricciardo’s exit, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner spoke highly of the Australian’s contributions to the team and his enduring popularity. Horner suggested that Ricciardo would always be welcome within the Red Bull organization, albeit in a non-driving role. “Daniel grew up with Red Bull,” Horner stated. “He’s taking some time out at the moment, but he’d be very welcome anytime to be part of whatever role he’d like to get involved in. He has a massive profile, and you’re a long time retired. If he wanted to get involved in activities, particularly in the US, we’d be open to it.”

Despite these comments, Ricciardo has reportedly distanced himself from the Red Bull organization. Recent rumors suggested that Cadillac, one of the new hopeful entrants into Formula 1 under the General Motors umbrella, was interested in signing Ricciardo to spearhead their potential entry. Cadillac’s involvement in the sport, aligned with Andretti Global, has drawn significant attention as they seek a slot on the F1 grid.

However, Ricciardo personally quashed this speculation during a viral TikTok interaction. When asked by a fan whether he would be joining the team, Ricciardo’s curt response—“Nah, I’m done”—appeared to confirm his disinterest in returning to the grid. This statement strongly suggests that Ricciardo has closed the chapter on his F1 driving career, at least for now.

At 35 years old, Ricciardo remains a well-recognized figure in motorsport and beyond, known for his charisma and substantial fanbase. While his on-track performances in recent years may not have matched the highs of his earlier career, his off-track value remains considerable. Whether he chooses to pursue alternative roles in the sport, such as media, ambassadorial duties, or activities in the United States, Ricciardo remains a significant personality in the F1 ecosystem.

For now, Ricciardo’s comments serve as a firm rebuttal to rumors of a comeback with any team, including Cadillac F1. Fans hoping for his return to competitive racing may need to accept that the Australian has moved on, focusing instead on life beyond the demands of Formula 1.