Popular former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has reportedly become the number one target for one shock Formula One team just months after losing his place in the sport.
Following series of disappointing performances for Racing Bulls Formula One Team, Ricciardo was sacked and replaced by New Zealand's Liam Lawson.
At 35-years-old, many assumed that losing his seat at Racing Bulls would mark the end of the fan favourite driver's career in F1.
But now, a new report has claimed that the Australian has emerged as the top target for one surprising team.
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According to German newspaper Bild, Ricciardo is a firm favourite to join General Motors’ new Cadillac F1 team when it becomes the 11th side on the gird in the 2026 season.
The report states: "The Australian is the big favourite for a cockpit at the American racing team.
“[Ricciardo’s] comeback at Cadillac would catapult the new team’s popularity from zero to 100.”
An official statement last month confirmed that Cadillac would be joining the grid in 2026, meaning that another two drivers will be able to race in Formula One.
"Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time," the statement read.
"Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course."
And with with 257 GP starts and an impressive eight race victories, Ricciardo could prove to be a perfect fit to usher in their first season in Formula One.
Furthermore, with the Australian being undoubtedly one of the most popular drivers ever to compete in the sport, his addition to the team would certainly bring a lot of fans over to Cadillac, who are yet to announce either of their drivers for 2026.
Following his final race for Racing Bulls at the Singapore Grand Prix in September, Ricciardo took to social media to thank fans.
"I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey," Ricciardo wrote on Instagram after the news of his departure was confirmed.
"To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you. It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it.
"Until the next adventure."
Topics: Daniel Ricciardo, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing
Ben McCrum