Could Daniel Ricciardo Be Lined Up for a Red B…read more
As the Formula 1 silly season begins to heat up, speculation is once again swirling around a potential return for Daniel Ricciardo — a narrative that has become almost an annual tradition in recent years. Although the Australian veteran has shown little interest in returning to full-time racing, current developments in the Red Bull camp have reignited discussions about a possible one-off comeback. Intriguingly, this isn’t just wild speculation; there may actually be a scenario, however unlikely, that could see Ricciardo back in a Red Bull-linked car in 2025.
At the heart of the situation is Max Verstappen. The reigning world champion is currently sitting precariously close to the FIA’s 12-point penalty limit, and any further infractions at the upcoming Canadian or Austrian Grands Prix could trigger a one-race suspension. While Red Bull will undoubtedly do everything possible to ensure Verstappen maintains a clean slate, the mere possibility of a race ban forces the team to prepare for the worst. The question then becomes: who would step into Verstappen’s shoes if he were forced to sit out?
Red Bull’s first port of call in such an emergency would naturally be their sister outfit, Racing Bulls. With the flexibility to promote a driver internally for a short-term solution, Red Bull would be expected to pull from their extended driver pool. While Liam Lawson has previously filled in admirably during his short stint with AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls), he appears to be out of favour for a return. Instead, the most likely candidate from the current Racing Bulls lineup to be promoted would be Isack Hadjar.
Hadjar has made significant strides in the 2025 season, showing both maturity and raw pace. Despite early-season hiccups in Australia and Monaco, he’s bounced back strongly, securing a sixth-place finish and a seventh in the last two races, bringing his points tally to 21. His upward trajectory has not gone unnoticed, and a temporary promotion to Red Bull could be seen as both a reward and a test. However, promoting Hadjar would leave Racing Bulls with a vacant seat — and that’s where Ricciardo’s name enters the conversation.
Despite being dropped from the team in abrupt fashion during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix weekend, Ricciardo remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the sport. From a marketing standpoint alone, Red Bull would relish the opportunity to bring Ricciardo back, even if just for a single race. His charisma, fan appeal, and existing relationship with the team make him a prime candidate for a one-off appearance — especially if it helps smooth over public relations during what would surely be a turbulent weekend without Verstappen.
The bigger question is whether Ricciardo would even want to return. The 34-year-old has publicly stated his contentment away from the rigours of the F1 circus, and a single race at Racing Bulls may not be enough to lure him out of semi-retirement. Getting out of bed in Monaco for one midfield drive may seem hardly worth the effort for someone who has previously stated he has “nothing left to prove.”
If Ricciardo declines, Red Bull still has options. Arvid Lindblad, one of their brightest junior prospects, could be handed a golden opportunity to make his F1 debut. Currently third in the Formula 2 standings and holding enough super licence points, Lindblad has impressed in the feeder series and has even been tipped by Helmut Marko as the team’s future. Alternatively, should Red Bull prioritize experience, they could temporarily call Sergio Perez back to the senior team — assuming his post-2024 departure hasn’t closed that door completely.
Regardless of who steps in, no driver is likely to replicate Verstappen’s dominance in the RB21. This situation merely highlights how crucial the Dutchman has become to Red Bull’s ongoing success. But if circumstances align, a Ricciardo cameo could be one of the most dramatic twists in a season already full of surprises.
