Following Daniel Ricciardo’s unexpected departure from VCARB, Red Bull’s Formula 1 junior team, speculation has been rife about what the next chapter holds for the Australian racer. While a number of analysts have identified Cadillac’s forthcoming F1 team as a potential landing spot, a new contender has surfaced: Toyota. Toyota desires Daniel Ricciardo for Supercars […]
Following Daniel Ricciardo’s unexpected departure from VCARB, Red Bull’s Formula 1 junior team, speculation has been rife about what the next chapter holds for the Australian racer.
While a number of analysts have identified Cadillac’s forthcoming F1 team as a potential landing spot, a new contender has surfaced: Toyota.
Toyota desires Daniel Ricciardo for Supercars series
As we approach 2026, the motorsport landscape is poised for significant transformation.
In Formula 1, an entirely new set of regulations is about to be rolled out — accompanied by the introduction of an 11th team: Cadillac. The American manufacturer initially sought to enter the series through Andretti Global, but will be establishing itself under the TWG Global banner following Michael Andretti’s department.
The 2026 racing calendar will also usher in Toyota’s Supra for the Australian Supercars series.
And Daniel Ricciardo has risen as a top contender for both opportunities.
Further details on Daniel Ricciardo and Cadillac:
👉 Cadillac F1: Five drivers we’d love to see join the new American team
👉 Five reasons why Cadillac F1 should sign Daniel Ricciardo
According to a report from Race.news, Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, is eager to sign Ricciardo, motivated not only by his racing prowess but also as someone who can attract a large fanbase due to his inherent charm.
The insider who spoke to Race.news mentioned that Toyota is looking to bring Ricciardo on board for both Supercars and NASCAR — two stock-car racing series Toyota plans to participate in.
Moreover, the company is reportedly ready to go to great lengths to secure Ricciardo, with the informant suggesting that the effort is “almost a blank cheque operation.” In simpler terms, Toyota is prepared to invest substantial resources to acquire Ricciardo.
The source continued, “[Toyoda] sees no drawbacks to having [Ricciardo] serve as the face of Gazoo Racing, which truly is his passion project.”
Toyoda himself is an enthusiastic racer, taking part in events such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring under the alias ‘Morizo.’
As of now, this remains speculative. It is uncertain whether Toyota has made any contact with Ricciardo or his management team, but the Australian driver has shown a keen interest in NASCAR and revealed his desire to compete at Bathurst.
Read next: Cadillac F1: Everything you need to know about the new 11th team
