Red Bull have announced Daniel Ricciardo will return to the team as Reserve Driver for the 2023 F1 season.
Ricciardo previously drove for the reigning constructors’ champion between 2014-18 before he joined Alpine in 2019 for two seasons, during which he claimed third-placed podium finishes at Nurburgring and Imola during the 2020 season.
A switch to McLaren followed in 2021 where he was outperformed by Lando Norris during their two seasons together, yet he unlike Norris managed to snatch a win during their time together at McLaren with victory at 2021 Italian Grand Prix in an one-two finish.
Ricciardo though struggled to adapt to this season’s new car regulations and finished 11th in the driver standings, with McLaren having opted over summer to release him from his contract and instead swooped for his compatriot – Oscar Piastri as his replacement for next season.
The Aussie though was keen to remain in F1 in any capacity and has consequently signed a one-year contract to become Red Bull’s Reserve Driver, of which he described as being “truly excited to be coming back home” to the team where he took seven wins as a driver.
On what it means to be part of Red Bull again after the team won the constructors’ title this season for the first time since 2013, Ricciardo added: “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.”
In his new role, Ricciardo will conduct simulator work, commercial activities and participate in selected testing sessions for Red Bull.
Team Principal, Christian Horner added that there is a “great” emotion about bringing Ricciardo back into the team, as he praised the Aussie for showing “enormous talent and such a brilliant character” in his personality.
Explaining the importance of having Ricciardo’s experience in the team, Horner added: “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.”
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