MOTORSPORT: Ricciardo returns to Red Bull
Aussie Dan set for third-driver, testing and simulator duties with Red Bull Racing F1 team in 2023After Red Bull Racing adviser Dr Helmut Marko spilled the beans in the Formula 1 paddock over the weekend, it has now been confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will return to Red Bull Racing in 2023 as the squad’s third driver, while also partaking in testing and simulator work for the British outfit.
Following a tough couple of seasons at McLaren which netted a lone win at Monza in 2021, plus two lean years at Renault which only resulted in a pair of podium finishes, the switch to the Red Bull family sees him return to his racing roots.
Originally a Red Bull junior driver, Ricciardo made his debut with the backmarker Hispania Racing Team in 2011, before graduating to Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2012, and the lead Red Bull squad in 2014.
Over the following five years, he would register seven victories and a total of 29 podium finishes, placing third in the driver’s standings in both 2014 and ’16.
At the start of September it was confirmed that Ricciardo would be replaced at McLaren by fellow Australian Oscar Piastri, who controversially had earlier been announced as a driver at Alpine.
This season Ricciardo finished 11th in the final standings, with a best race finish of fifth coming from Singapore.
“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,” said Ricciardo.
Looking forward to returning home ?? https://t.co/cT3yFUXBhz
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) November 23, 2022
“I already have so many fond memories of my time here, but the welcome from [team principal] Christian [Horner], Dr Marko and the entire team is something I’m sincerely appreciative of.
“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.”
Red Bull Racing this year won its fifth constructor’s title and sixth driver’s championship, with Max Verstappen successfully defending his 2021 crown, while Sergio Perez finished a close third in the final standings.
All told, Verstappen registered a record 15 race wins, with Perez adding two further successes to the team’s tally, with his driving services deal expected to run through to the end of 2024.
The 2023 F1 season kicks off with pre-season testing from February 23-25 in Bahrain, the same location as the opening round on March 5.
Related: MOTORSPORT: Verstappen claims Abu Dhabi GP
Related: MOTORSPORT: Piastri to replace Ricciardo at McLaren
Related: MOTORSPORT: Ricciardo splits from McLaren
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