I’m Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian Formula 1 driver who was axed from his seat at Visa Cash App RB in September, has offered a definitive update on his future, addressing rumors of a potential
return to the sport. The 35-year-old was replaced by Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of the 2024 season, marking a disappointing end to his stint with the team.
Despite numerous offers from various sources, Ricciardo had remained largely silent until now, providing fans and the F1 world with much-needed clarity on his next steps.
Ricciardo’s exit from F1 came after a challenging season at AlphaTauri, where he struggled to match the performance of his teammate Yuki Tsunoda. This underperformance led to Ricciardo’s departure, with Red Bull admitting they had placed their faith in Lawson as part of a broader strategy for the future. Though Ricciardo’s results at AlphaTauri were less than stellar, he continued to remain a popular figure both in the paddock and with fans, with multiple offers coming his way after his exit, including from outside of Formula 1.
In the wake of his departure, Ricciardo has attracted interest from various quarters. Red Bull reportedly discussed the possibility of offering him an ambassadorial role within the team, acknowledging his value as a respected figure in the sport. Meanwhile, other racing series, including the Supercars Championship, extended offers to Ricciardo, eager to bring his experience and marketability to their platforms. However, Ricciardo has kept a low profile since his departure, leaving the motorsport community guessing about his next career move.
Ricciardo’s name resurfaced in the F1 spotlight earlier this year when Cadillac confirmed plans to enter the sport as the 11th team in 2026. The American outfit expressed a desire to partner an established driver with an American talent, sparking speculation that Ricciardo might be the experienced name they were seeking. However, in a viral TikTok video, Ricciardo firmly shut down any rumors linking him to Cadillac or a return to Formula 1, offering a blunt response to a fan’s inquiry during an appearance at his pop-up shop in New York.
The fan, who had visited Ricciardo’s pop-up shop to promote his Enchanté clothing line, asked the driver about the possibility of joining Cadillac. Ricciardo’s response was short but definitive: “Nah, I’m done.” This remark has since been widely shared and discussed, providing a clear indication that Ricciardo is not considering a return to Formula 1, at least not with Cadillac or any other team. This marks the end of speculation surrounding his potential comeback to the sport.
The pop-up shop event in New York was centered around the release of Ricciardo’s latest fashion collection, titled the Moto Collection. It’s clear that Ricciardo is focusing on his ventures outside of motorsport, with the Australian having built a significant brand around his personal image. His clothing line and other business endeavors reflect his interests beyond racing, and it seems he’s ready to embrace life away from the F1 grid, even if his fans might miss seeing him behind the wheel.
Ricciardo’s departure from Formula 1 has undoubtedly marked the end of an era for one of the sport’s most charismatic drivers. However, his influence continues to be felt both inside and outside of the paddock. While many fans had hoped for a more dramatic return to F1, Ricciardo’s latest comments suggest that he’s fully ready to turn the page and move on to new opportunities, embracing a life that no longer involves the relentless grind of the Formula 1 circuit.
As the F1 season progresses and new teams like Cadillac prepare to enter the fray in 2026, the door for a potential return for Ricciardo appears to be firmly closed. His decision to move on is a reminder that even for highly skilled and popular drivers like Ricciardo, the realities of the sport and personal desires can lead to major career shifts. Whether Ricciardo’s next chapter will involve other motorsport series, business ventures, or something entirely different, only time will tell. For now, it’s clear that Formula 1 is no longer in his immediate plans.