Daniel Ricciardo has been announced as Red Bull's reserve driver for the 2023 season, joining forces with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Following Ricciardo's exit from McLaren at the end of this season after a two-year spell, the Australian will make a return to the Milton Keynes team as third driver. Red Bull confirmed that his role will focus on test outings, simulator work and commercial activities with the team. Having raced for the team from 2014-2018, the eight-time race winner returns to Red Bull after stints at Renault and McLaren.
Ricciardo: The smile says it all!
Despite achieving the honour of taking McLaren's first win since 2012 last season, Ricciardo was outscored by 45 points by teammate Lando Norris in 2021, a gap which increased to 85 points this year. In the announcement, the 33-year-old spoke of his desire to "recharge and refocus" after a difficult season at McLaren. “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. "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!”
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