Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Lowdon, firmly denied recent rumors suggesting that Daniel Ricciardo might rejoin Formula 1 with Cadillac’s new American entry for the 2025 season. Despite widespread speculation following Cadillac’s announcement to enter Formula 1, Ricciardo, the acclaimed Australian driver, is not pursuing a comeback in the sport, leaving fans and insiders reassessing his future moves.
Ricciardo last raced in Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing before losing his seat to Liam Lawson late in the 2023 season. While Christian Horner, Red Bull’s adviser, had hinted at possible future opportunities for Ricciardo within F1, sources close to the driver confirm that he is now focusing on ventures beyond the Formula 1 grid.
Cadillac’s Driver Search Shifts Focus Away from Ricciardo
Lowdon addressed the speculation bluntly, stating,
“If I need to convince someone, then it’s the wrong person. You never need to convince a Formula 1 driver to jump in the car.”
With Ricciardo indicating publicly that he is not chasing a return, Cadillac has redirected its attention towards other candidates to complete its roster ahead of its debut season.
The team’s shortlist currently includes about ten drivers, prioritizing those who have previous Formula 1 experience. Among the frontrunners are former race winners Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, both of whom have openly expressed interest in returning to the F1 championship. Bottas has been actively seeking new drives since departing Mercedes, and Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss has acknowledged the Finn’s skills and appeal. Meanwhile, Pérez, despite a challenging 2024 campaign, remains valuable to teams due to his successful track record and strong sponsorship connections.
Cadillac’s Strategy Prioritizes Experience for Competitive Edge
Laura Lowdon, Cadillac’s Managing Director, emphasizes the importance of a well-thought-out driver lineup to ensure a competitive debut in the demanding Formula 1 environment. The team is progressing steadily with technical and operational preparations alongside their driver selection process. Enthusiasm from the paddock and fans is building as Cadillac moves closer to finalizing its roster.
With winter testing slated for early 2025, the window for signing drivers is narrowing. Industry observers expect official announcements within weeks, with every rumor continuing to ignite debates, raise the team’s profile, and highlight Cadillac’s determination to establish itself as a leading competitor in the sport.
The Legacy and Career of Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Joseph Ricciardo, born on July 1, 1989, in Perth, Western Australia, is widely respected as one of the most talented racing drivers of his generation. Ricciardo made his Formula 1 debut in 2011 and accumulated 25 race wins over 180 starts by the end of his F1 career in 2024. His father’s roots trace back to Ficarra in Sicily, Italy, while his mother’s family comes from Calabria.
Starting karting at age nine with the Tiger Kart Club, Ricciardo progressed through various junior racing tiers, including the Western Australian Formula Ford championship and the Asian Formula BMW series, where he clinched multiple victories and podium finishes. His breakthrough in Formula 1 came after Mark Webber’s retirement, when Ricciardo joined Infiniti Red Bull Racing in 2014 and quickly made an impact with three victories and a third-place finish in the championship that year.
During his career, Ricciardo secured eight podium finishes, three wins, and two pole positions in his final season, placing second in the drivers’ championship with 285 points. Known for his fast lap speeds and competitive spirit, Ricciardo earned 12 career fastest lap awards, underscoring his race pace and skill.
What Ricciardo’s Decision Means for the Future of Cadillac F1
Daniel Ricciardo’s clear choice to step away from a potential comeback has added urgency to Cadillac’s driver recruitment efforts. The team’s aim is to combine experienced race winners with new talent to create a strong first-season lineup. As Cadillac continues to build its identity in Formula 1, securing the right drivers will be crucial to meeting the ambitious goals set by its leadership.
The forthcoming weeks will be decisive for Cadillac as it races against time to complete its roster before winter testing. This phase will be closely watched by fans, sponsors, and competitors alike, as it signals the start of a new era for the American brand in motorsport’s most prestigious category.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?
A. Number 17 is the only number in Formula 1 that has been officially retired. This honors Jules Bianchi, a French driver. Bianchi was using number 17 when he had a serious accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver born in 1985. He competes in Formula One for Mercedes and previously drove for McLaren. He openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his many interests and passions.
Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?
A. Drivers can select a permanent number between 0 and 99, except for the number 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion can choose the number 1, but it is not mandatory for them to use it.
Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver for Mercedes and previously drove for McLaren. He openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.