Daniel Ricciardo is rumored to be making a return to racing, potentially signing a lucrative $10 million contract with Toyota according to a report from Race.News.
This speculation suggests Ricciardo’s comeback might be centered around the Australian Supercars series or NASCAR in the United States, offering fans a chance to witness his driving – and smile – once again. The offer highlights Toyota’s serious intentions, described as a “blank cheque operation,” reflecting the importance they place on Ricciardo’s charismatic appeal and driving expertise.
Ricciardo’s F1 career in motorsport began in 2011, where he earned considerable recognition driving for teams like HRT, Toro Rosso, and Red Bull Racing. He managed to secure eight Grand Prix victories and 32 podium finishes over 257 races, cementing his status as a formidable presence on the track.
However, his recent performance with the Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, previously known as AlphaTauri, left much to be desired, culminating in an 18th-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix. Consequently, Ricciardo was replaced by Liam Lawson for the remainder of the 2024 season.
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The potential deal with Toyota, spearheaded by Chairman Akio Toyoda, may herald a change for Ricciardo. Toyoda envisions using Ricciardo’s charm and popularity to elevate the global prominence of Toyota Gazoo Racing, a personal endeavor for Toyoda. With Toyota Gazoo Racing’s involvement in competitions such as the World Rally Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship, acquiring a driver of Ricciardo’s caliber could further improve their visibility and fanbase.
A source within Toyota said: “Toyoda-san can see his (Ricciardo) value, not just as a driver, but as someone who can drag in the fans in huge numbers because of his natural charisma.”
If Ricciardo accepts this offer, he may have the opportunity to drive Toyota’s GR Supra in the Australian Supercars series as early as 2026, though a full season may prove challenging regardless of his experience. Nevertheless, the prospect of flexible involvement remains appealing. The potential impact of such a move on Ricciardo’s career would be profound, possibly marking the beginning of a new chapter in which he continues to influence and attract fans on an international level.
In addition to the Toyota offer, there are also discussions around a potential return to Formula One with Cadillac’s new team in 2026. This opportunity may involve Ricciardo’s joining as a seasoned driver to assist in developing the team, although this remains speculative.
Ricciardo’s departure from Formula One was met with high regard, as evidenced by comments from Helmut Marko, Red Bull consultant. Marko applauded Ricciardo’s contributions to the sport:
“He himself was informed in good time and—to put it in his own words—he is at peace with himself. I also think that the fastest race lap he set was a worthy farewell performance.”
While the offer from Toyota presents a big opportunity for the Australian, its realization remains uncertain as Ricciardo has yet to comment publicly on his future.
