Red Bull confirms Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 2023 return The team has confirmed that Ricciardo will make a sensational return to Red Bull as their third driver for F1 2023.
Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko revealed during the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend that Ricciardo would be returning to the team for the upcoming season.
Ricciardo will drive for the team during marketing events and show runs, returning to the team he left at the end of 2018.
He will also drive throughout F1 2023 in the team’s simulator.
Ricciardo commented on the news, saying: The smile encapsulates how excited I am to return to Oracle Red Bull Racing in 2023 as their third driver. I already have so many wonderful memories of my time here, but the warm reception I received from Christian, Dr. Marko, and the entire staff is truly appreciated.
“The opportunity to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in Formula One is extremely appealing to me personally. It also gives me time to recharge and refocus. I can’t wait to work on the simulator, assist with testing sessions, and assist with commercial activities with the team. Let’s move!
Christian Horner, the team’s boss, added: It’s wonderful to welcome Daniel back to the Red Bull clan.
He has a gigantic ability and is such a splendid person; I know that everyone in the factory is happy to have him at home. Daniel will help the Team with his experience and knowledge of what it takes to succeed in Formula One in his role as test and third driver, giving us the opportunity to diversify. He will also help develop the car.
“We’re very pleased to be working with Daniel once more and look forward to everything he will bring to the Team in 2023,” reads the statement.
Ricciardo’s career since leaving Red Bull
Ricciardo’s career since leaving Red Bull After winning seven races, Ricciardo decided to leave the team in the middle of 2018 because he felt the team was favoring Max Verstappen too much, especially after their crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Ricciardo signed with Renault for 2019, but he chose McLaren ahead of the COVID-hit 2020 season because the team lacked speed in his first year.
His 2020 campaign was one of his best, even though he had already signed with Renault. He finished on two podiums and dominated teammate Esteban Ocon.
His move to McLaren was highly anticipated, but it hasn’t worked out.
Ricciardo ended McLaren’s winless streak at the Italian Grand Prix in 2021, but his performance has been extremely disappointing.
Eventually, his absence of speed prompted McLaren to finish his agreement a year ahead of schedule, settling on individual Australian Oscar Piastri all things considered.
Ricciardo is hoping that a year off will allow him to start over and see if there are any other options for 2024.