In a turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, former Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo is on the verge of an unexpected return to the racing circuit. After his surprise exit from McLaren in 2022, the Australian’s future in F1 had seemed uncertain, but now it appears that Ricciardo is set for an astonishing comeback—this time with a completely new team and in a very different capacity.

Recent reports indicate that Ricciardo is being strongly considered for a pivotal role with Cadillac Racing, the motorsport division of the American automotive giant General Motors. This shocking twist has left fans and industry insiders alike questioning how one of F1’s most charismatic and talented drivers is making his way into the growing world of international endurance racing, as Cadillac is rumored to be expanding its efforts in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and, potentially, Formula 1.

Daniel Ricciardo’s journey in Formula 1 has been nothing short of eventful. He made a name for himself with Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing, winning seven Grand Prix and becoming one of the most popular figures in the sport. However, his two-year stint at McLaren left much to be desired. Despite the team’s resurgence, Ricciardo struggled to match the performance of his younger teammate, Lando Norris, with whom he had a challenging 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 just a blow to McLaren, but also a bitter disappointment for his legions of fans. Many questioned his future in the sport, and some speculated that he might never return to F1.

Fast forward to 2025, and 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 traction after the American manufacturer’s recent announcement that it would be increasing its presence in global motorsport. Cadillac’s entry into the world of endurance racing has been a significant step, but what has raised eyebrows is the possibility of Ricciardo becoming part of this ambitious push.

Cadillac Racing has been steadily making strides in both the WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. They’ve already enjoyed success with their V-Series.R hypercar in the WEC, and with GM’s renewed commitment to motorsport, it seems a natural progression to look towards expanding their roster. Ricciardo, known for his passion and determination, could be the ideal fit to bolster the team’s lineup, particularly with the team’s goal of taking on some of the biggest names in endurance racing.

The potential move into endurance racing could be an exciting new chapter for Ricciardo, whose F1 career had its ups and downs. Transitioning from the high-speed world of F1 to the more strategic, longer-format races of the WEC could offer the Australian the kind of challenge he thrives on. Endurance racing demands a different set of skills than F1: patience, consistency, and the ability to work as part of a larger team are essential qualities for success in this grueling sport.

Ricciardo’s extensive experience in open-wheel racing, combined with his adaptable nature, could make him a valuable asset to Cadillac’s team as they seek to make their mark in the hyper-competitive world of endurance motorsport. He would also bring with him a level of star power that could elevate Cadillac’s profile, especially in the European and international markets, where the brand is looking to expand its footprint.

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

While his impending role with Cadillac appears to be imminent, speculation still looms about whether Ricciardo will ever make his way back into Formula 1. Despite his absence from the grid, he remains highly respected within the F1 paddock, and several top teams could be keeping an eye on his progress in other motorsport disciplines. However, for now, Ricciardo seems focused on this exciting new venture, which represents a significant departure from his F1 career, yet one that could lead to a thrilling new chapter in his racing legacy.

Daniel Ricciardo’s potential move to Cadillac Racing is a fascinating development in the world of motorsport. What was once thought to be the end of his Formula 1 career now seems to be the beginning of an exciting new journey in endurance racing. While the Australian driver’s F1 future remains uncertain, his possible 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 are sure to be eagerly watching as this story continues to unfold.