Cadillac claims Ricciardo the ‘wrong person’ to kickstart their Formula 1 campaign in 2026

The former Red Bull driver hasn’t been in the F1 paddock since 2024, but the sensational return has been stopped dead in its tracks.

Cadillac has ruled out any chance of Daniel Ricciardo returning to Formula 1 with the new racing team.

Team boss Graeme Lowdon hit fans with the huge call, saying the Aussie driver was the “wrong person” to help kickstart their campaign in 2026.

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Speaking on the High Performance Podcast by Jake Humphrey, Cadillac’s team principal was asked if the side had begun discussions with multiple parties in line for one of the two available seats.

One such driver was Ricciardo, to which Lowdon gave a clear answer.

“Yeah, actually, I think he’s publicly said that he’s not interested in Formula 1, I think,” he said.

Asked then if Lowdon would try to change his mind, he said it wasn’t his job to.

“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. I’ve got no problem, everyone can make their own mind up.”

Cadillac are set to join F1 in 2026 after it was announced they would become the 11th team on the grid, backed by General Motors.

Aussie Daniel Ricciardo is the ‘wrong person’ for Cadillac according to team boss Graeme Lowdon. Photo: Martin Keep/AFP.

Ricciardo formerly race for Red Bull, Renault and McLaren, before his last stint at Racing Bulls in 2024. Photo: AFP/Geoff Robins.

Ricciardo was previously in the sport while driving for Red Bull, which he spectacularly left as Verstappen’s prominence grew.

He later raced for Renault, McLaren and Racing Bulls before his career was ended.

Ricciardo has been strongly linked to Cadillas for the pas year, but those rumours now seem to be ended.

The new boss did confirm however that Cadillac have settled on a six to ten driver shortlist.

Even if Ricciardo is not part of those plans, there are a plethora of options for Lowdon’s team.

One hot favourite is former Mercedes driver and race winner Valtteri Bottas, who recently posted a cryptic video to his socials confirming his interest where he inspects a Cadillac car on the road, admitting “that’s a nice seat.”

Bottas is also of interest to Alpine.

Sergio Perez could be of interest to Cadillac. Photo: Andrej Isakovic/AFP.

Valtteri Bottas could also join Cadillac. The former Mercedes driver posted a cryptic message alluding to a potential return. Photo: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images.

The side could make a move for former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez who has also admitted his want to return to the sport, while the future of current Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda could also be up in the air.

The team will be looking to make a decision sooner rather than later with less than 250 days until their debut, but appears they haven’t yet made a decision on if they prefer two experienced drivers or a younger racer alongside a veteran.

Of all the candidates that have thus been discussed, Ricciardo is the most qualified after Bottas.

The side so far have secured Ferrari power units for their debut, but the team principal’s next deciding move will be who is brought onto the grid.

Cadillac’s campaign kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix next season.

Originally published as Cadillac claims Ricciardo the ‘wrong person’ to kickstart their Formula 1 campaign in 2026