Australian Daniel Ricciardo is set to make an unexpected return to the racetrack. Following his surprise departure from McLaren in 2022, the Aussie’s future in F1 seemed uncertain, but now it appears Ricciardo is set for a stunning comeback, this time with a brand new team and in a very different role.

According to recent reports, Ricciardo is being heavily considered for a key role at Cadillac Racing, the motorsport division of American giant General Motors. The shocking turnaround has left fans and industry insiders wondering how one of F1’s most charismatic and talented drivers is making his way into the growing world of international endurance racing, with Cadillac said to be keen to expand its efforts into both the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship (WEC) and, potentially, Formula 1.

Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 journey has been eventful. He made his name at Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing, winning seven Grands Prix and becoming one of the sport’s most popular figures. However, his two years at McLaren left much to be desired. Despite the team’s revival, Ricciardo struggled to match the performances of his young teammate, Lando Norris, with whom he had a difficult partnership.

In the summer of 2022, McLaren made the difficult decision to part ways with Ricciardo, opting for a fresh start with rising star Oscar Piastri. Ricciardo’s departure was not only a blow to McLaren, but also a bitter disappointment to his legions of fans. Many questioned his future in the sport, and some speculated that he might never return to F1.

In 2025, Daniel Ricciardo’s name is back in the headlines, this time in connection with Cadillac Racing. While rumors of Ricciardo’s move to a non-F1 team had been circulating for months, they gained momentum after the American manufacturer’s recent announcement that it would be expanding its presence in global motorsport. Cadillac’s entry into the world of endurance racing was a significant step, but what raised eyebrows was the possibility that Ricciardo would be part of this ambitious initiative.

Cadillac Racing has made steady progress in both the WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team has already enjoyed success with its V-Series.R hypercar in the WEC, and with GM’s renewed commitment to motorsport, it seems natural to look to expand its roster. Ricciardo, known for his passion and determination, could be the ideal candidate to bolster the team’s roster, especially as the team aims to challenge some of the biggest names in endurance racing.

The idea of ​​moving into endurance racing could be an exciting new chapter for Ricciardo, whose F1 career has had its ups and downs. Moving from the high-speed world of F1 to the more strategic and longer races of the WEC could offer the Australian the kind of challenge he enjoys. Endurance racing requires a different skill set to F1: patience, consistency and the ability to work as part of a larger team are essential qualities to succeed in the gruelling sport.

Ricciardo’s vast experience in single-seater racing, combined with his adaptable nature, could make him a valuable asset to the Cadillac team as it seeks to carve out a niche in the hyper-competitive world of endurance motorsport. He would also bring with him a star power that could raise Cadillac’s profile, particularly in European and international markets, where the brand is looking to expand its footprint.

For Ricciardo, this new direction could also provide him with the mental and emotional respite he needs. After the struggles he faced at McLaren, a change of team and a new series could reignite his passion for racing. His outgoing and affable personality has always been a huge draw for fans, and an opportunity to build new relationships and challenge himself in a new environment could be just the motivation he needs to get back to his best.

While his role at Cadillac seems imminent, speculation is rife as to whether Ricciardo will ever make a return to Formula 1. Despite his absence from the grid, he remains highly respected in the F1 paddock, and several leading teams could be keeping tabs on his progress in other disciplines of motorsport. For now, however, Ricciardo appears focused on this exciting new venture, which represents a significant departure from his F1 career but could lead to an exciting new chapter in his racing legacy.

Daniel Ricciardo’s potential move to Cadillac Racing is an intriguing development in the world of motorsport. What was once considered the end of his Formula 1 career now appears to be the start of an exciting new journey in endurance racing. While the Australian driver’s future in F1 remains uncertain, his potential return to the track with Cadillac could mark the start of something special, both for him and for the American manufacturer’s racing ambitions. Fans will certainly be eagerly following the rest of this story.