Formula 1 o373z

Is Daniel Ricciardo Coming Back to F1? Fans Speculate After Pepsi Ad Tease 662l1m

Author photo
By
Sushan Chakraborty
Author photo
Sushan Chakraborty Sports Editor

Sushan Chakraborty has been writing professionally since debuting with 90min in 2017. He has since typed out thousands of articles, learning the trade from some of the smartest minds in the business. Now at Sportscasting, he is striving to whip up his best articles yet.

Get to know Sushan Chakraborty better
Sports Editor

Published28 May 2025

Disclosure
We publish independently audited content meeting strict editorial standards. Ads on our site are served by Google AdSense and are not controlled or influenced by our editorial team.

Courtesy of his endearing appearance in the Netflix docudrama ‘Drive to Survive’ and, of course, razor-sharp skills on track, Daniel Ricciardo has become one of the most popular Formula One (F1) drivers of the 21st century.

The fan favourite was axed by Red Bull’s sister team Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) before the end of the 2024 campaign, with New Zealand racer Liam Lawson getting his seat. He is one of the most notable F1 drivers to be replaced mid-season.

Thousands of Danny Ric compilations have hit popular social networking sites since, paying tribute to the Aussie’s remarkable career and off-track charms.

With American team Cadillac ing the grid in 2026, fans have been praying for Ricciardo’s return to F1. On Tuesday (May 27), prayers turned to heavy speculation after F1’s official social media posted a short video announcing their new deal with PepsiCo.

Is Daniel Ricciardo Coming Back to F1? 1o4e1a

Did F1 Confirm Danny Ric’s Return with PepsiCo Announcement Video? 1e1s65

No, F1 did not confirm Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the grid in 2025 or beyond. However, they did use his distinctive facial features to make the PepsiCo announcement video infinitely more shareworthy.

In the video, a Formula series driver is zipping up his red race suit, pulling on his gloves, and then putting the visor down on his helmet, getting ready for a session on track. The short clip does not reveal who the driver is, only showing his chin while zipping up his suit and his left eye and nose during the helmet sequence.

Fans Speculate About Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 Return 45z4a

Sharp F1 eyes were quick to get excited about the video, noting how the mystery man’s left profile resembled Ricciardo’s. The 35-year-old has a famously remarkable nose, and the video made sure to show it, knowing fans will boost engagement.

@Mafesto wrote:

“I know that nose anywhere.”

@F1girlClara commented:

“Please don’t break my heart and get my hopes up but why does this look like @danielricciardo”

@FinalExpert9978 hilariously added:

“I know my noses. And that’s Daniels nose.” 

@Hyza87 posted a great side profile, added more fuel to the flame.

“Am I tripping, or is that nose...”

@MrsBrightsideD chimed in with a massive pledge.

“If they bring Danny Ric back I swear i’ll never drink Coke ever again”

 

Will Daniel Ricciardo Drive for Cadillac in 2026? Insider Comments on Rumours 3g6a2h

Cadillac have yet to announce their driver line-up for their debut 2026 season, leading to a plethora of speculation. With the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Perez, Logan Sargeant, and now Jack Doohan without a seat, the General Motors-backed team can take their pick.

Fans hope that Cadillac’s addition would mark Ricciardo’s return to F1, but industry insider Kym Illman does not think the eight-time Grand Prix winner will be back in F1.

When asked if Ricciardo will make his grand return next season, Illman replied (via GPFans):

“No! Not in a fit. Absolutely not. I know stuff. He won’t be back.”

According to reports, he has been in with Cadillac and a few other teams on the grid. However, the Australian has maintained that he will not be driving an F1 car in his career.

Cadillac, which will switch to General Motors’ engine from 2029 after receiving FIA approval, could spice up the grid next year. It will be fascinating to see how other teams respond to the new challenge.