Daniel Ricciardo back behind the wheel as....

Daniel Ricciardo back behind the wheel as….read more

Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has once again drawn attention on social media after uploading a lighthearted post that poked fun at his old Red Bull Racing teammate, Max Verstappen. In the post, Ricciardo is seen driving a tractor, a tongue-in-cheek nod to Verstappen’s critics who have dubbed the Dutchman’s dominant Red Bull car as more like a “tractor” due to its overwhelming pace compared to the competition.

Ricciardo, currently serving as a reserve and development driver for Red Bull Racing, hasn’t been a full-time driver since his mid-season replacement at AlphaTauri in 2023 due to injury and poor form. However, his return to the public eye — albeit through a humorous Instagram post — has sparked renewed interest in his future in the sport.

Fans were quick to interpret the social media stunt as a reminder of Ricciardo’s charismatic persona, which made him a fan favorite during his peak years at Red Bull and Renault. While the post was clearly made in jest, some believe it also signals Ricciardo’s growing desire to get back into competitive racing, especially at a time when several F1 teams are rumored to be evaluating their driver lineups for 2025.

One such team under scrutiny is Alpine, where tension and underperformance have created uncertainty about the future of their current drivers. Amid these rumors, another former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher, has added fuel to the speculation by suggesting that a recently axed star — presumably Esteban Ocon — could find a new home at Alpine, provided certain conditions are met.

Schumacher, now a pundit, hinted in a recent interview that team reshuffles are inevitable, and drivers like Ocon and even Ricciardo could be in the running for open seats depending on how the rest of the 2024 season unfolds. Schumacher noted the importance of team dynamics and pointed out that Ricciardo, despite his current absence from the grid, still holds a wealth of experience and popularity that could be valuable for a midfield team like Alpine looking to build stability and performance.

Ricciardo’s recent absence from social media had led to speculation about his mental state and commitment to a potential comeback. His sudden reappearance — combined with a dash of humor — reassures fans that he hasn’t lost his trademark charm or competitive fire. While Red Bull currently has no confirmed plans to promote him back into a race seat, the constantly shifting F1 driver market means opportunities could arise quickly, especially if teams are looking for experience and leadership.

Meanwhile, Alpine has had a turbulent 2024 season, plagued by inconsistent results and reported tensions between drivers and management. Their driver lineup, including Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, has yet to produce the kind of results that would guarantee contract renewals heading into the 2025 campaign. If either driver were to depart, Ricciardo could be a viable option given his past association with the Enstone-based team and his deep understanding of F1 machinery and team operations.

The sport is no stranger to comeback stories, and Ricciardo has repeatedly stated in past interviews that he isn’t ruling out a return to full-time racing. With his cheerful reappearance online and ongoing connections within the paddock, many believe it’s only a matter of time before the Australian finds himself back in contention — perhaps even with a team like Alpine.

As F1 continues to evolve, both on and off the track, Daniel Ricciardo remains one of its most engaging figures. Whether he ends up back on the grid or continues to entertain from the sidelines, his presence is still very much felt — and clearly, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor.