AlphaTauri have retained Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo as their driver line-up for 2024 F1 season.
This move sees Tsunoda remain with AlphaTauri for a fourth consecutive F1 season, despite scoring just three points this season.
“I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season”, commented Tsunoda upon confirmation of his new contract.
Tsunoda also acknowledged that he still has work to do to improve his performances as he added: “I’m looking forward to continuing to fight and collaborate with the team and Daniel.
“Obviously, I’ll push as much as possible for the rest of the season and beyond, to progress as a driver. I’m grateful for Red Bull and Honda, for continuing to support and believe in me, and very happy and thankful to continue the partnership.”
Ricciardo meanwhile replaced Nyck De Vries in Hungary following the Dutchman’s sacking but has missd the last three races with a left hand injury, which he suffered during FP2 at Zandvoort.
AlphaTauri nevertheless opted to retain him ahead of his replacement driver – Liam Lawson, in a sceptical move, after Lawson produced three strong drives as a rookie which saw the New Zealander score points in Singapore.
Speaking about his decision to stay with AlphaTauri next season, Ricciardo commented: “I’m stoked to be driving with Yuki again next year and continuing the journey with Scuderia AlphaTauri.
“Following the progress we have already made and the plans for the future, it’s an exciting time for the Team. We are building and it is a great feeling. There is a lot of work to do, but we are heading in the right direction and there is a lot to look forward to.”
Departing Team Principal, Franz Tost described the decision to stick with Tsunoda and Ricciardo as simply “logical” due to little change in F1 Technical Regulations, which meant that “continuity” was preferred ahead of promoting Lawson, who will again act as Reserve Driver.
Tost also addressed Lawson’s involvement as he added: “As for Liam, who has impressed everyone in his races so far, he will definitely help the team in his development role as a third driver, and I’m sure he will have a future in Formula One soon.”
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