8:09 AM ET
Laurence EdmondsonF1 Editor
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- • Joined ESPN in 2009
• An FIA accredited F1 journalist since 2011
Red Bull has confirmed Daniel Ricciardo will join its team as a third driver next season -- a role that will include testing, simulator work and commercial activity.
Ricciardo had his McLaren contract cut one year short over the summer after a lack of on-track performance convinced the team to sign fellow Australian Oscar Piastri to replace him in 2023.
When the news broke, Ricciardo's options were limited and it soon became clear he was unlikely to continue racing in F1 next year.
As early as the Dutch Grand Prix in September, Ricciardo admitted he was looking to F1's top two teams -- Red Bull and Mercedes -- for a reserve role.
He remains hopeful that he can return to a race seat in 2024, although it is unlikely to be with Red Bull as Max Verstappen is contracted to remain at the team until 2028 and Sergio Perez has a deal until the end of 2024.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner said it was not the team's intention to line Ricciardo up as a replacement for Perez.
"No, Daniel's contract is very specific," he said. "We have a contract with Checo [Perez] for the next two years. The partnership of Max and Checo has been phenomenal for us."
Ricciardo drove for Red Bull from 2014 to 2018 and entered the sport in 2011 with the backing of its junior driver programme. His return was leaked by Red Bull's senior management over the Abu Dhabi race weekend and confirmed by the team on Wednesday.
"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," Ricciardo 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."
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."
The following
teams, drivers and engine suppliers have been confirmed or are expected to take part in the 2023 F1 season. Each driver can choose their own racing number to use during their career. The reigning world champion has the option of adopting the number ‘1’ or continuing to use his career number. Notes Stay up-to-date on the 2023 F1 driver line-up with RaceFans: Teams: Mercedes | Red Bull | Ferrari |
McLaren | Alpine | AlphaTauri |
Aston Martin | Williams | Alfa Romeo |
HaasMercedes
Race drivers
Lewis Hamilton
Career number: 44
Country: United Kingdom
George Russell
Career number: 63
Country: United Kingdom
Other drivers
None confirmed yet
Red Bull
Race drivers
Max Verstappen
Career number:
33
Country: Netherlands
Sergio Perez
Career number: 11
Country: Mexico
Other drivers
Daniel Ricciardo (Third driver)
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Ferrari
Race drivers
Charles Leclerc
Career number:
16
Country: Monaco
Carlos Sainz Jnr
Career number: 55
Country: Spain
Other drivers
None confirmed yet
McLaren
Race drivers
Lando Norris
Career number: 4
Country: United Kingdom
Oscar Piastri
Career number: 81
Country: Australia
Other drivers
None confirmed yet
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Alpine
Race drivers
Esteban Ocon
Career number: 31
Country:
France
Pierre Gasly
Career number: 10
Country: France
Other drivers
None confirmed yet
AlphaTauri
Race drivers
Yuki Tsunoda
Career
number: 22
Country: Japan
Nyck de Vries
Career number: TBC
Country: Netherlands
Other drivers
None confirmed yet
Aston Martin
Race drivers
Fernando Alonso
Career
number: 14
Country: Spain
Lance Stroll
Career number: 18
Country: Canada
Other drivers
Felipe Drugovich (Reserve and development)
Stoffel Vandoorne (Test and reserve)
Williams
Race drivers
Alexander Albon
Career number:
23
Country: Thailand
Logan Sargeant
Career number: TBC
Country: USA
Other drivers
None confirmed yet
Alfa Romeo
Race drivers
Valtteri Bottas
Career number:
77
Country: Finland
Zhou Guanyu
Career number: 24
Country: China
Other drivers
Theo Pourchaire (Reserve)
Haas
Race drivers
Kevin Magnussen
Career number: 20
Country: Denmark
Nico Hulkenberg
Career number: 27
Country: Germany
Other drivers
None confirmed yet
Find all our 2023 F1 drivers and teams articles.