Formula 1’s 2024 silly season was about the craziest in the history of the sport, with big-name moves all over the place.
Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster Ferrari move, a potential driver shake-up at Red Bull, and Carlos Sainz’s shuffle to Williams were all thrilling to follow.
That’s without delving into the mid-season chaos of Oliver Bearman replacing Kevin Magnussen after a race ban and Liam Lawson finding a way back onto the grid after one year away.
The Kiwi did so at the expense of fan-favourite Daniel Ricciardo, who has since taken a few months away from motorsport before weighing up his next move.
How Daniel Ricciardo could return to Formula 1 with Haas after proposed Toyota deal
One of the biggest disappointments of 2024 was that Ricciardo didn’t get to give Formula 1 a proper goodbye after 13 years of service.
His time at Visa Cash App RB ended abruptly after the Singapore Grand Prix, and he has only popped up in America since – cheering on close friend Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
According to TheGodFlores, Toyota is prepared to table a £7.8 million ($10 million) offer for the Aussie to drive in Australian Stock Cars or NASCAR.
READ MORE: Ferrari will offer Haas 21-point F1 driver if they need to call up Oliver Bearman next season
Considering their newly found close ties to the Haas team after the announcement of a partnership in October, this could be a chance for him to be close to an F1 operation again.
The addition of a Toyota clause with Haas, which could block them from making any driver moves makes the potential of a Ricciardo partnership all the more interesting.
Has Ricciardo’s time in Formula 1 come to an end?
There is an argument that Ricciardo’s time in the sport is over, particularly after he was outclassed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda for the majority of their partnership.
But if the American outfit finds themselves in a position where experience is required, and he is the easiest driver to contractually put in the car, he could be an option.
If his stock car exploits go well, and he can prove that he still has the raw talent behind the wheel, then that could also lead to some interest.
READ MORE: Why ‘exceptional’ Fernando Alonso lasted longer in Formula 1 than Daniel Ricciardo
If he loves North America that much but still wants to return to F1, then signing with an American team – whether that’s Haas or the new Cadillac outfit, could suit him well.
It will all be up to how much of an itch he has to get back behind the wheel of a racing car, but who knows? At the age of 35, he may be done with driving altogether!
Leave feedback about this