Daniel Ricciardo breaks silence on shocking F1 return speculation

Daniel Ricciardo, a former Formula 1 driver from Australia, has been at the center of speculation regarding his future in motorsport following a less than stellar season with the VCARB team. During the 2023 season, his performance peaked with an eighth-place finish in Canada, but following a disappointing 18th place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo was let go by the Italian-based team. Since then, rumors have suggested that he could return to F1 with the newly introduced American team, Cadillac, set to join the championship in 2025. However, reports have emerged that Ricciardo has dismissed these claims, stating he has not been contacted by Cadillac and has no interest in returning to Formula 1. He reportedly views his F1 career as concluded, which has caused mixed reactions among fans, some of whom are still hopeful for his return. Additionally, reports from Race.News indicate that Toyota, the Japanese car manufacturer, is exploring the possibility of hiring Ricciardo for a significant role in either their Australian or American racing efforts. They see him not only as a talented driver but also as a charismatic figure who could enhance their brand's visibility and attract fans to their motorsport initiatives. Sources within Toyota have suggested that the company is willing to invest heavily in securing Ricciardo's agreement, alluding to a budget that could approach $10 million. This interest reportedly comes directly from Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, who believes having Ricciardo represent Gazoo Racing would bring meaningful benefits to the brand. Although it is unclear whether any formal offers have been made, Toyota's keen interest marks a potential new chapter in Ricciardo's racing career, away from the highs and lows of Formula 1.