Ricciardo to Cadillac: Rumor mill spins it as a done deal!

Rumors have been swirling in the Formula 1 paddock about a potential move for Daniel Ricciardo to join General Motors' upcoming Cadillac F1 team.

The Australian driver, who was dismissed by Visa Cash App RB after last September's Singapore Grand Prix, has been linked to various racing opportunities, but a Cadillac deal seems very unlikely at this stage according to a report from Aussie website Speedcafe.

Luc Donckerwolke, the chief creative officer of Genesis – the luxury brand division of the Hyundai Motor Group – and a key figure behind Genesis Magma Racing's WEC project, helmed by former Renault F1 team principal Cyril Abiteboul, signaled the brand's interest in Ricciardo .

However, Donckerwolke lamented Genesis' inability to sign the eight-time Grand Prix winner for its WEC project, claiming that Ricciardo has joined GM-Cadillac's F1 venture.

“I would have loved to have Danny,” Donckerwolke told Speedcafe. “I met him in LA in late 2017, I think, and I find his aura… he's a perfect brand ambassador.”

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Genesis, which plans to enter the World Endurance Championship in 2026 and the IMSA series thereafter, had identified Ricciardo as an ideal candidate to boost its brand profile, particularly in the United States, where the Australian driver is immensely popular.

“We were talking about this and Danny is fantastic,” Donckerwolke continued. "So we looked at it and then we said, 'Okay, he's still bound for 2025 to Red Bull until the end of the season.'

“And then now we heard about his commitment… Cadillac in Formula 1, which is great. We will see in the future, but Danny is fantastic.

“I find that he is the perfect person to represent the brand, but we didn't get to discuss with him yet.”

Despite Donckerwolke's enthusiastic comments, Ricciardo's management has denied any agreement with Cadillac or General Motors, casting doubt on the validity of the rumors.

According to Speedcafe, sources close to the situation suggest that Cadillac's Formula 1 program, while making progress, is still in its early stages. The team recently appointed Graeme Lowdon as its principal, but much remains to be done before it can formally enter the grid, likely in 2026.

It's being speculated that the Ricciardo-Cadillac rumor may have been fueled by discussions about the Aussie getting involved in GM's sportscar programs. However, Ricciardo's camp has dismissed those claims as well.

The Cadillac gossip is far from the only rumor surrounding Ricciardo. The former Red Bull charger has been linked to a variety of roles, from joining Toyota Gazoo Racing in a reported $10 million deal to compete in NASCAR and Supercars, to returning to F1 as a commentator for Sky Sports.

Each of these possibilities, however, has been dismissed by sources close to the driver.

Most recently, it was revealed that Ricciardo turned down an offer to remain with Red Bull as an ambassador following his departure, suggesting he has other brewing plans.

Yet for now, the 35-year-old remains tight-lipped about his next move, choosing to enjoy some well-earned downtime after a tumultuous few years in Formula 1.

What remains clear is that Ricciardo's popularity and marketability make him a sought-after figure, both on and off the track.

As Cadillac continues to shape its F1 project, it is easy to see why its name would be floated as a potential cornerstone of the program.

However, until an official announcement is made, it's all just whispers and such."

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