Red Bull Confirms Return Of Ricciardo For 2023 As Third McLaren Driver Formula 1 Season

After only one GP victory in the previous four years, Ricciardo left McLaren and will assist Red Bull with testing and simulator work. He will also use his reserve position to “recharge and refocus.”

In advance of the 2023 season, Red Bull Confirms the Return Of Ricciardo For 2023 and has officially announced that its third driver Daniel Ricciardo will be returning. Ricciardo will join from McLaren, where the Australian finished the 2022 season 85 points behind teammate Lando Norris and without any victories or podium finishes. With only one victory in the previous four years, Ricciardo has had quite an unsuccessful run.

The 33-year-old spent four seasons with Red Bull between 2014 and 2017, and after just over a decade in Formula One, Ricciardo seemed ready for a new challenge. He claims the non-grid role with Red Bull will give him time to “recharge and refocus” while also assisting with testing, simulator, and commercial activities.

“The smile says it all, I’m extremely pleased to be going back home to Oracle Red Bull Racing as their third driver in 2023,” Ricciardo stated in a statement released by Red Bull to announce his comeback.

Although I already have many happy memories of my time here, I must express my deep gratitude for the greeting I received from [boss] Christian [Horner], Dr. [Helmut] Marko, and the entire staff.

“I personally find it very appealing to be able to contribute to and be around the top team in Formula One, while also getting some time to rest and refocus.

“I am eager to join the team and provide assistance with simulator work, testing sessions, and business activities. Let’s move! It’s wonderful to have Daniel back into the Red Bull family, Horner stated.

“Daniel will give us the possibility to diversify in his role as test and third driver, helping in the development of the car and assisting the team with his expertise and knowledge of what it takes to achieve in F1,” said the team.

This looks familiar ??? #DR3ack pic.twitter.com/KUY9M4hxvk

— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 23, 2022

Also, Daniel is back in our employ, and we are excited about all that he will contribute to the Team in 2023.

With Red Bull, Ricciardo achieved his best results in an F1 season, placing third in the drivers’ championship in both 2014 and 2016. He spent two seasons with Renault after joining them in 2019, and then in 2021, he switched to McLaren.