Daniel Ricciardo sends F1 fans wild and leaves them saying 'it can't be' as comeback teased

Formula One fans are seriously excited as popular star Daniel Ricciardo could be set for a shock return to the sport.

After an unsuccessful spell with Red Bull's sister team Racing Bulls, fan-favourite driver Ricciardo was sacked and replaced by Liam Lawson following the end of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix in November.

Once his exit from the team was confirmed, Ricciardo appeared to be unsure about what was next in his career, but his emotional reaction to his latest race led many fans to believe that it could have been his last.

But now, fans are convinced that the Australian could be making a surprise return to the sport after 'spotting' him in the latest official promotional video posted by the sport's social media accounts.

In a video announcing Formula One's new sponsorship with PepsiCo, a mystery driver can be seen zipping up a race suit, pulling on gloves, and then pulling the visor down on their helmet.

Although it's impossible to tell exactly who this driver is based off of the limited glimpses we get at his face, fans are convinced that it is Ricciardo.

Reacting to the video on social media, one fan wrote: "It can’t be him… right?"

While one excited fan added: "I CAN TELL THAT NOSE FROM ANYWHERE!"

Another added: "Danny ric back, confirmed."

And one suggested: "Daniel to cadillac?"

Although it's unclear exactly what the video could mean for Ricciardo if it is actually him in the video, there are certainly several opportunities available to him should he decide to come back to the sport in the near future.

Both Red Bull and Racing Bulls are yet to confirm their driver lineups for next season, but it seems unlikely that Ricciardo would take any of these after he failed to impress driving for them last season.

Seats are also technically available at Mercedes and Alpine, but the former will almost certainly re-sign George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, should they fail to tempt Max Verstappen, and the latter may not have forgiven Ricciardo for how he left the team in 2020.

Much more likely, is that the 35-year-old could take a seat for new team Cadillac when they join the grid as F1's 11th team next season.