Daniel Ricciardo will return to Crimson Bull Racing subsequent season because the crew’s third driver — a task that retains the favored Australian in Method One however not on the precise grid.
Key factors:
- Daniel Ricciardo drove for Crimson Bull from 2014 to 2018
- He gained seven of his eight grands prix with the crew, which has gained the previous two world titles
- Ricciardo was let go by McLaren earlier this yr to make means for fellow Australian Oscar Piastri
Crimson Bull finalised the hiring after Ricciardo and the crew each indicated throughout final weekend’s season finale they have been formalising the position.
As third driver, Ricciardo will assist Crimson Bull with testing and simulator work, in addition to business exercise.
Max Verstappen, the reigning two-time world champion, and Sergio Pérez are the crew’s two drivers.
“It’s nice to carry Daniel again into the Crimson Bull household. He has monumental expertise and [is] such an excellent character. I do know the entire manufacturing facility is worked up to be welcoming him dwelling,” Crimson Bull crew principal Christian Horner mentioned.
“[Ricciardo’s role] will give us the possibility to diversify, helping within the growth of the automotive, aiding the crew along with his expertise and data of what it takes to achieve F1.
“We’re more than happy to be working with Daniel once more and look ahead to all the things he’ll carry to the crew in 2023.”
Ricciardo first joined Crimson Bull in 2014 and loved probably the most profitable years of his profession with the crew, ending third within the championship and scoring the primary three of his eight profession victories after being elevated from junior crew Toro Rosso.
He gained a race in 2016, the yr he was the one driver to complete all 21 races on the schedule and, once more, in 2017 when he scored 9 podiums.
Ricciardo gained two of the primary six races to open the 2018 season, which included a victory at Monaco.
He then left the crew to drive for Renault for 2 seasons, and spent the previous two years with McLaren, giving the crew its first race victory since 2012 along with his win finally yr’s Italian Grand Prix.
Whereas Ricciardo held the motive force possibility with McLaren for 2023, he was purchased out by the crew to make means for fellow Australian Oscar Piastri.
Ricciardo had mentioned repeatedly he was prepared to sit down out a season to stay in competition for a great seat on the F1 grid fairly than take a trip with a backmarker crew or transfer to a different collection.
“I have already got so many fond reminiscences of my time right here,” Ricciardo mentioned of Crimson Bull.
“For me, personally, the power to contribute to — and be surrounded by — the very best crew in F1 is vastly interesting, while additionally giving me a while to recharge and refocus.”
Crimson Bull this season gained each the motive force and constructors’ titles.
AP