Daniel Ricciardo could be handed F1 lifeline as hopes of return boosted by major change
Ricciardo could revive his driving career as Cadillac are set to join the grid in 2026.
Daniel Ricciardo could be handed another chance to prove he belongs on the Formula One grid, with an 11th team given the green light to line up in 2026. Cadillac will be part of the F1 from 2026 despite strong backlash from current teams amid fears the prize money will become too diluted.
Cadillac is a division of American motoring giant General Motors, and its bid to join the grid - headed up by Andretti (owned by former F1 driver Michael Andretti, son of 1978 world champion Mario Andretti) - was initially rejected earlier this year. However, after the Andretti name was dropped from the proposal, it was approved on Tuesday.
It is understood that Mario will instead be handed an ambassadorial role in the project, while Michael is no longer involved. Cadillac is expected to be powered by Ferrari in 2026 before moving to develop its own engines.
Daniel Ricciardo to Cadillac is a move that makes sense
The introduction of another team could also open the door for Ricciardo to make his return. The Aussie driver was axed from Red Bull’s second team, RB, in September after the Singapore Grand Prix.
But since his exit, speculation has been rife that his driving career may not be over. The 34-year-old could be just the experienced head Cadillac is looking for to be the team's second driver behind a young star. Age is no barrier in the F1 either with Fernando Alonso, 43, still driving for Aston Martin and Ricciardo has not only proved himself on the grid before but he is one of the sport's most beloved drivers, so is marketing gold as well.
Ricciardo has yet to confirm what his next move might be, but is hugely popular with F1 fans and would surely find it hard to turn down a return to the grid. He would of course have to wait until 2026 to get back in the driver's seat though even if Cadillac come knocking.
Cadillac already has a presence in endurance racing events such as the 24-hour Le Mans race. “Formula One announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the 11th team to the Formula One grid in 2026,” the F1 said in a statement.
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“Formula One has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula One in January 2024.
“Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula One is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.” The announcement comes less than 48 hours after Max Verstappen sealed the F1 title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix — which after Miami and Austin is the third US race on the calendar.
with agencies
