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Daniel Ricciardo appears to have definitively called time on his Formula 1 career after giving a blunt three-word response to a fan regarding Cadillac’s potential interest in him. Ricciardo’s departure from F1 came after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, where his underwhelming performance led Red Bull to replace him with Liam Lawson for the remaining races of the season. Despite the opportunity for a potential return in 2026 with the addition of an 11th team to the grid, Ricciardo's recent comment suggests he has moved on from F1.
The Fan Interaction
During a weekend exchange with a fan, Ricciardo was asked about the possibility of joining Cadillac, who are planning to enter the sport in 2026. The fan asked, “No Cadillac?” to which Ricciardo responded simply: “Nah, I’m done.” This brief interaction strongly suggests that Ricciardo is no longer considering a return to Formula 1.
Cadillac’s Options for 2026
Although Ricciardo seems to be stepping away from F1, Cadillac has a range of options for its 2026 entry into the sport, especially with the influx of new drivers joining the grid in the coming years. With talents such as Ollie Bearman, Jack Doohan, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Gabriel Bortoleto set to make their debuts next season, some experienced drivers, including Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu, will be sidelined.
Sergio Perez may also face uncertainty about his future if Red Bull decides to promote either Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda to replace him.
Mario Andretti’s Vision for Cadillac
Mario Andretti, an advisor for Cadillac, has revealed that the team is aiming to sign a mix of experienced drivers and promising young talents, with a strong emphasis on securing an American driver. Colton Herta is reportedly among the top candidates under consideration.
Andretti shared his thoughts with NBC Sports, stating, “You mentioning candidates — he’s [Herta] definitely one that’s considered. I think you have to keep those options open, since it’s going to be a whole next season where we’re not going to be players. There are more drivers available than teams at the moment. Ten teams seems a lot, but there’s a lot more drivers, a lot more talent out there.”
Andretti further emphasized Cadillac's approach, saying, “From our standpoint, I think the play at the beginning would be to have one experienced driver — nationality doesn’t matter — and then a young American talent. These are the objectives at the moment.”
With a variety of options available, Cadillac's strategy for entering F1 appears focused on building a balanced team for 2026, with experienced drivers alongside fresh young talent.
