Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is set to remain in the F1 paddock after Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko confirmed that he will be the team’s third driver.
Following his exit from McLaren, Ricciardo’s plans for 2023 have been up in the air. The eight-time Grand Prix winner has made no secret of his desire to remain in F1 even if that entailed a reserve driver role.
Fortunately for Ricciardo, it appears his wish may be about to come true with Red Bull advisor Marko claiming that the Australian would rejoin the team for 2023 during the first free practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Ricciardo will be our third driver,” Marko told Sky Germany during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s FP1 session.
The Austrian consultant also stated that the move will see Ricciardo feature prominently in sponsored events and test drives.
Is Perez on his way out?
The events of the Brazilian Grand Prix have left many wondering if Sergio Perez could be forced out of his seat at Red Bull.
The Mexican’s relationship with two-time world champion Max Verstappen seems to be fractured and with Ricciardo being a former member of the Red Bull family, speculation is rife if Perez could be replaced in 2023.
Marko though denied the rumors stating, “This is news that has not yet appeared.”
It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds over the next year especially if tensions between Perez and Verstappen spill over to the 2023 season.
