Daniel Ricciardo has rejoined Red Bull Racing in a new third driver role for the 2023 season which will include commercial work too.
As was expected due to increased speculation over the Abu Dhabi GP weekend, Red Bull has officially confirmed Ricciardo as its third driver for the 2023 season alongside regulars Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, with the Australian rejoining the family.
In his new role, Ricciardo will undertake testing work alongside simulator sessions and commercial activities. Having left the team at the end of the 2018 season, the Australian has had couple of seasons at Renault and McLaren which ended in 2020 and 2022.
He was speculated to take up a reserve role at Mercedes but the Red Bull rumours also sprung up who had Sebastien Buemi in that role along with Juri Vips. But after the Estonian was dropped midway, they brought in Liam Lawson on an interim basis.
With Ricciardo, they will now have a full-time third driver. “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,” he said. “I already have so many fond memories of my time here, but the welcome from Christian, 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. Let’s go!”
At the same time, Christian Horner added: “It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family. He has enormous talent and such a brilliant character; I know the whole factory is excited to be welcoming him home.
“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. We’re very pleased to be working with Daniel again and look forward to everything he will bring to the Team in 2023.”
Here’s Red Bull drivers in Abu Dhabi Test
Here’s Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez on Abu Dhabi GP
