Toyota's Rumoured Plan to Put Daniel Ricciardo in a V8 Supercar ...

The chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda, wants Daniel Ricciardo behind the wheel of a Supercar (and NASCAR), according to an exclusive report by race.news.

This report, which claims a former senior Toyota executive as its source, seems farfetched, but details a ‘behind closed doors’ meeting in Japan where Toyoda, the man responsible for the GR Supra, Le Mans, World Rally Championship, and NASCAR, has made his intentions clear about putting Daniel Ricciardo behind the wheel of the Australian Supercars GR Supra entry when it’s scheduled to race against Ford and Chevrolet in the Supercars championship from 2026.

The source says that the brand will do “whatever it takes” to land the ex-Formula 1 driver, which could include a $10 million offer to Ricciardo.

“I’ve been told that Toyoda-san can see his (Ricciardo) value, not just as a driver, but as someone who can drag in the fans in huge numbers because of his natural charisma,” the Toyota source told race.news. “He (Toyoda) can’t see any downside with having him as the face of Gazoo Racing which really is his pet project.”

Previously, Ford, who will be Red Bull Racing’s engine supplier from 2026, tapped Ricciardo for some on-track activity at the Australian Grand Prix. However, as Ricciardo has been ousted from his role at Visa Cash App RB it seems the door is now, at the very least, ajar.

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Toyota GR Supra Supercar | Image: Supplied

The claim that Daniel Ricciardo could take a permanent seat in one of the four GR Supras destined for the grid in 2026 seems farcical. However, there could be a scenario where Ricciardo could suit up for key endurance races such as the Bathurst 1000. Still, the jury is very much out on that situation.

It’s more likely that Ricciardo would take his talents to the oval track, as NASCAR has become a key motorsport category for Toyota, and the numbers certainly make more sense.

The highest-paid NASCAR Cup Series driver, Kyle Busch, is reportedly on a $16.9 million per year contract, while the up-and-comer Bubba Wallace manages to make things work at $2.2 million per year. It’s less than the $7 million Ricciardo was reportedly on while signed to Visa Cash App RB, but we’re positive it’s enough to keep his Monaco mansion clean.

Ricciardo briefly became known as a street circuit specialist when his talents were put on full display around the Monaco street circuit in 2018, and as NASCAR has shifted focus towards the street, his talents could be utilised once again. Australian Supercars pedigree runs deep state-side, and most recently, 35-year-old New Zealand native Shane Van Gisbergen won in his first NASCAR race at Chicago, earning himself a Cup series seat in 2025.

Regardless of his on-track performance, Ricciardo (and his infectious smile) has become the most recognised face in motorsport. Consequentially, this has made him the most marketable face in motorsport, and brands such as GoPro, Ford, Optus, Puma, Tourism WA, and Blue Coast have all chipped in for a slice of the trademark smile.

Whether he lands with Toyota or not, having him on your brand roster under any circumstances would be deemed a commercial win.

Ricciardo on a mini boat | Image: Red Bull

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