Daniel Ricciardo has fallen largely silent since he lost his RB seat in the autumn. Liam Lawson replaced him for the final six races of the 2024 season.
Ricciardo hasn’t been especially active on social media, nor has he visited the F1 paddock. The emotions may still be too raw.
The Australian hoped to find his way back to Red Bull when he joined the junior team midway through 2023. Instead, he failed to complete a full season.
Media outlets will no doubt be competing for his services as a pundit. Giedo van der Garde says Ricciardo should go into television because he has the right ‘personality’ for the role.
But the 35-year-old has yet to officially announce his retirement from F1. And even if he can’t find his way back onto the grid, there are other motorsport disciplines he may wish to explore.
It looks highly unlikely that he’ll compete in any series full-time next year given that the vast majority of the seats will be filled. But he could make wildcard appearances with a view to a comprehensive racing return in 2026.
Daniel Ricciardo’s camp say Toyota talk is ‘all rumours’ after RB exit
According to Australian outlet Speedcafe, there are rumours that Japanese giants Toyota could offer Ricciardo $10m (£5m) to join their project. He would race in NASCAR or Supercars initially, and become an ambassador for the brand.
In theory, Toyota could give Ricciardo a route back to F1. They have just announced a technical partnership with the Haas team.
They insist that they’re not currently planning a fully-fledged comeback after withdrawing at the end of 2009. But their influence could gradually increase – Toyota could become Haas’ title sponsors, and they may build their own engine.
However, Ricciardo’s camp say the Toyota talk is ‘all rumours’ for now, suggesting there’s little substance to it. He’s content to keep a ‘low profile’ and has also turned down an ambassadorial role at Red Bull.
Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren payoff dwarfs rumoured compensation for Sergio Perez
One could understand why Ricciardo may seek a break from racing. He was let go twice in the space of three seasons.
McLaren paid Ricciardo a £23.6m severance at the end of the 2022 campaign. He still had a year left on his deal, but Zak Brown wanted to bring in Oscar Piastri after his fellow Australian fell a long way short of expectations.
For context, Red Bull will only need to pay Sergio Perez £11m if they decide to remove him for 2025. Brown was clearly desperate to move on from Ricciardo, which is a source of embarrassment.
If he does chase a third stint in F1, then 2026 entrants Cadillac look like the most realistic option. Naomi Schiff thinks Cadillac may want Ricciardo, who’s one of the most popular racing drivers in the US.
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