Daniel Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull as a “third driver” for the 2023 Formula 1 season has been officially confirmed.
During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull was all but assured when first Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko claimed the deal was done and then Ricciardo himself said it only needed his final signature.
Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull was officially announced on Wednesday. He would help the team with testing and sim work, as well as commercial activity, according to the statement.
According to reliable sources, Ricciardo will likely take part in about seven grand prixs, including the three American races, next season.
“It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family,” said team principal Christian Horner. “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.”
After being let go by McLaren with a year left on his contract, Ricciardo made the decision to prioritize getting a reserve position at a top team over pursuing midfield race seats for 2023.
After being let go by McLaren with a year left on his contract, Ricciardo made the decision to prioritize getting a reserve position at a top team over pursuing midfield race seats for 2023. The Red Bull collaboration seems to be the best fit for his objectives.
“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,” said Ricciardo.
“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.”
Red Bull supported Ricciardo throughout his junior career, which included winning the 2009 British Formula 3 championship. He spent two years at Toro Rosso following his mid-2011 loan to HRT for his F1 debut before taking the place of fellow countryman Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel at the then-champion team Red Bull for 2014.
In the season they spent together, he outperformed Vettel, and he won the first three of the seven grand prixs he would win over the course of his five years with the Red Bull team. Ricciardo gained a reputation for daring overtakes and achieving triumphs over the odds.
However, Ricciardo had reservations about the Honda engine agreement Red Bull signed for 2019, and when the team started to favor his teammate Max Verstappen, he decided to accept a lucrative offer from Renault.
He stayed there for two years, but before his second Renault season had even started, he made plans to go on to McLaren.
While Ricciardo’s podium finishes in the upper-midfield Renault strengthened the reputation he had already established at Red Bull, his time there was a huge letdown, save for his unexpected victory in the 2021 Italian GP.
