Ricciardo was dealt a harsh exit from the sport when he was axed by Red Bull junior team, Visa Cash App RB, following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, having struggled for consistency since his return to the sport.
The fan-favourite was replaced by Kiwi racer Liam Lawson who, despite also being bested by Tsunoda on multiple occasions across his 2024 stint, has now been handed another promotion up to the main team.
After being out of the pinnacle of motorsport for nearly three months now, Ricciardo has been heavily linked with a return to F1 through the newly announced Cadillac team.
General Motors have provisionally agreed to join the F1 grid in 2026 under the Cadillac brand, which means that two new seats will be available from next season.
Many familiar faces in motorsport will no doubt be eager to get their hands on a contract with Cadillac, with the American outfit having confirmed they will be looking to hire an experienced driver alongside a US talent.
Now, in an interview with talkSport, Ricciardo's former boss Horner has admitted he could see the move happening.
"I wouldn’t be at all surprised," Horner responded when quizzed on if Ricciardo could join the new Cadillac outfit.
In a bizarre attempt to perhaps generate interest over the recently sacked Perez however, Horner elaborated on his answer to offer a twist that could arguably prevent a return for the popular Australian.
"I wouldn’t be at all surprised even if they went for the experience of somebody like Sergio if he decides he wants to continue his career in Formula 1."