Third driver
Dr. Helmut Marko previously spoke out of turn about Daniel Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull, now there is also official confirmation. The Australian will play a role as the third driver in the team next season.
The high word is now really out: Daniel Ricciardo returns to the old nest. The 33-year-old former teammate of Max Verstappen will no longer be a regular F1 driver next year, but will be allowed to work with his old team. Ricciardo will work for Red Bull in the simulator in Milton Keynes, among other things, on a good set-up for the car for the race weekends. In addition, the retired McLaren driver will do ‘commercial activities’ for Red Bull. So he will probably become an ambassador for the team and for Red Bull in general.
Ricciardo, who was dismissed after two disappointing seasons at McLaren, was a regular driver for Red Bull from 2014 to 2018. From 2016 to 2018 he shared the team with Max Verstappen, after which he left for Renault and left after two years for a place at McLaren. Ricciardo reportedly left Red Bull because he did not want to play second fiddle in the team alongside Verstappen.
Although his career has not exactly gone as he hoped, he says he is genuinely happy to return to Red Bull: “The smile says it all, it is really exciting to return to Oracle Red Bull Racing in 2023 as third driver. I already have so many fond memories of my time here, but the welcome from Christian (Horner, ed.), Dr. Marko and the whole team is something I really appreciate.”
In addition to the aforementioned work, Ricciardo will also get behind the wheel of an F1 car as a test driver. He is not completely deprived of the ‘real work’, although it is of course not as much of a party as in recent years. However, he says the role fits him like a glove at the moment: “For me personally, the opportunity to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely attractive, while also giving me some time to recharge and refocus. I can’t wait to get back into the team and support it with simulator work, test sessions and commercial activities. We’re going for it!” Team boss Christian Horner is also delighted: “It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family. He has tremendous talent and such a brilliant character; I know the whole factory is excited to welcome him home.”
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl