Daniel Ricciardo is back for Red Bull, with him joining the team as a third driver for 2023.
The Aussie last drove for Red Bull in 2018, before he decided to join Renault in 2019.
That was a move that, he felt, would be one that might give him the best chance of winning a world title but ultimately that did not happen, and he moved to McLaren in 2021, again with the view of having success there.
His spell at McLaren was a head-scratchingly poor one, though, and his contract was cut short by a year so he could leave at the end of the 2022 season, with the news announced back in the summer.
Indeed, since then, he has been linked with race seats and reserve roles but over the weekend in Abu Dhabi it became apparent that he was on the verge of going back to the team where he enjoyed his biggest amount of F1 success; Red Bull.
Indeed, the deal has been agreed for him to join as a third driver, with him set to take on sim duties and marketing obligations as part of the role, with him aiming to use 2023 as a platform to get back onto the grid for 2024 with a team - though it remains to be seen who that is with.
“It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family," said Christian Horner.
"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.”
Ricciardo said, meanwhile: “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.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 20: <> prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
"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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