Daniel Ricciardo continues in Formula 1 after leaving the McLaren racing team. The Australian returns to the successful team Red Bull, where he once celebrated his greatest successes. As a reserve driver, he lines up behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez – but only under one condition.
Red Bull is overjoyed to have recruited such an experienced and popular Formula 1 driver as Daniel Ricciardo as reserve driver. The 33-year-old should not only have sporting relevance for the Red Bulls from 2023, Ricciardo will also be in demand as a brand ambassador.
“Daniel will give us the opportunity to diversify by helping us develop the car and helping the team with his experience and knowledge of what it takes to be successful in Formula 1,” said team boss Christian Horner last made the decision.
Ricciardo originally had a contract with McLaren until the end of 2023, but due to the ultimately disappointing cooperation, both sides agreed on an early termination at the end of this season. Motorsport talent Oscar Piastri moves into the McLaren cockpit for the veteran.
Daniel Ricciardo is not always on board
For Ricciardo, the year on the bench at Red Bull offers the opportunity to recommend himself to the regular drivers for a cockpit in 2024. It should also be tempting to be able to race again in the Red Bull race if Max Verstappen or Sergio Pérez fails. The eight-time Grand Prix winner had his best stint in the premier class between 2014 and 2018 when he worked for Red Bull.
At the same time, however, Daniel Ricciardo has made it clear that he will only join Red Bull under one specific condition: the “Honey Badger” does not intend to be present at every race in 2023. “There will definitely not be 24 races. Otherwise I could have stayed in the field. I made it clear that I needed a break,” he told “Sky” after the last race of the season.
Ricciardo confessed that the last few years had marked him. “That’s why I wanted more time. I want to find a part of myself again.”