Daniel Ricciardo's sensational return to racing a possibility as Japanese automotive giant shows interest: Reports
It is being reported that former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo could make a sensational return to racing after Japanese automotive giant Toyota showcased interest in signing him for the Supercar series. The former Red Bull driver departed the sport at the end of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix and was replaced by Liam Lawson.
After initially sitting out the first six months of 2023, the Aussie returned to the grid with Visa Cash App RB to get a way back to the senior team in 2024. However, apart from the occasional glimpses of his old self, Ricciardo lacked consistency against his young teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
He was let go by the Milton-Keynes outfit as he was unable to impress the Red Bull hierarchy to displace Sergio Perez. Despite his unceremonious exit from F1, Daniel Ricciardo has remained a target for several teams in other racing series as he takes some time away from the world of motorsport.
As reported by Race.news, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda has made the eight-time F1 race winner a hot target for both their Supercar series and NASCAR. As per the source, Toyoda was very keen on signing Ricciardo and willing to do "whatever it takes" to get him onboard for the projects in a "blank cheque operation".
However, neither Toyota nor Daniel Ricciardo have not commented officially about the speculations.
Former F1 driver presents Daniel Ricciardo's name for replacing Damon Hill
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert stated that Daniel Ricciardo would be a "good addition" to the Sky F1 team as a replacement for the departing former world champion Damon Hill.
Speaking with FlashscoreUSA.com, Herbert spoke about the Aussie's merits and said (via PlanetF1):
“He has the experience, the smiley face, is telegenic and is very popular. He has a nice demeanor and a very good way of sharing the experience that he has had. He has had good and bad times too. All those experiences are what people want to hear about. Daniel would be a good addition.”
While Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also opened the door for Ricciardo to return to the team as an ambassador for the US races given his popularity in the country, adding:
“He grew up with Red Bull, and he’s taking some time out at the moment. But he’d be very welcome, any time, to be part of whatever role he elected to want to get involved in.
“He has a massive profile, and you’re a long time retired so, if he chose to want to get involved in some activities in the US in any way, it’s something we’d be very open to.”
Daniel Ricciardo has not made any public appearances or given any interviews to the media ever since his departure in Singapore.