F1 News
Ricciardo returns to Red Bull in 2023: "The smile says it all"
Daniel Ricciardo will return to Red Bull Racing for the 2023 Formula 1 season. The Australian is smiling with the deal, though he will not be on the race track. Instead, Ricciardo will be working in support of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez as the third driver.
Return to Red Bull
Ricciardo left Red Bull Racing after the 2018 season. After two years at Renault [Alpine] and another two years at McLaren, Ricciardo will return to where he had his happiest times on the grid. Once McLaren confirmed that Ricciardo would leave the team, he tried to find a place within the sport but found it difficult with limited options. This deal, therefore, comes as a welcome relief.
“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. 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," Ricciardo said in the press release.
Ricciardo won seven races for Red Bull between 2014 and 2018. Those years were part of a relatively quiet period for the team. Red Bull Racing are now the current Constructors' Champions and Verstappen has won the last two drivers' championships in 2021 and 2022. Ricciardo is looking forward to being able to contribute to the end product on the race track and help them push forward.
"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," Ricciardo concluded.