Red Bull have officially announced that Daniel Ricciardo will rejoin the team he left in 2019 for Renault as a reserve driver for the 2023 season.
Ricciardo lost his seat at McLaren after two years with the British team, during which the Australian was unable to find the pace and results that have brought him eight grand prix wins since joining F1 with HRT in 2011 with the support of Red Bull.
The driver had been tipped to potentially join Haas for a race seat or another team on the grid, but with the vacancies steadily filled, a reserve drive became the more feasible option for him to remain in F1 for 2023.
Homecoming
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said that the return of Ricciardo back to the team that launched his F1 career would boost their efforts to compete for a third consecutive title in 2023.
“It is great to bring Daniel back in to the Red Bull family. He has enormous talent and such a brilliant character; I know the whole factory is excited to be welcoming him home. In his role as test and third driver, Daniel will give us the chance to diversify, assisting in the development of the car, aiding the team with his experience and knowledge of what it takes to succeed in F1,” he said.
“We’re very pleased to be working with Daniel again and look forward to everything he will bring to the Team in 2023.”
Ricciardo added that he had opted to join Red Bull in a reserve role rather than leave the sport or take a year out to remain around the “best team” as he seeks to rebuild his career after a couple of tough years with McLaren and Renault.
“The smile says it all, I’m truly excited to be coming back home to Oracle Red Bull Racing as their Third Driver in 2023. I already have so many fond memories of my time here, but the welcome from Christian, Dr Marko and the entire team is something I’m sincerely appreciative of,” Ricciardo said.
“For me personally, the ability to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely appealing, whilst also giving me some time to recharge and refocus. I can’t wait to be with the team and support with simulator work, testing sessions and commercial activities. Let’s go!”
