2022 has been a tough season for Daniel Ricciardo in which he has often struggled to keep up with team mate Lando Norris. This then contributed to the termination of his contract, leaving the 33-year-old without a seat on the grid for the 2023 season. Determined to stay in F1, there were rumoured possibilities of joining a team lower down the grid or even a reserve for Mercedes. Now the decision has been made to take a year out as a Red Bull reserve which also involves testing and simulator work, and hopefully return to competitive racing in 2024.
Ricciardo expressed his delight about reuniting with his former team stating, “The smile says it all, I’m delighted to be coming back home”.
Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, was also enthusiastic about this reunion adding “It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family”.
The 33-year-old is returning with a wealth of history at Red Bull as he has already had a 5-year stint with team, departing in 2018. First relation being with the junior team in which he progressed to their second team Toro Russo in 2012, before promoting to Red Bull in 2014. During his time with the team he managed to secure seven victories, the first being the Canadian grand prix – in which he finished 3rd in the Championship. His time at Red Bull also provided him with many podiums and his maiden pole position.
After departing from Red Bull in 2018, Ricciardo made a move to Renault on a two-year deal. Despite struggles faced during his time with the team, he managed to achieve two podiums and finished 5th in the 2020 Championship - before deciding to choose a move to McLaren.
The time at McLaren saw the Australian gain victory at the Italian Grand Prix and securing a one-two with team mate Lando Norris. However, during this, Ricciardo struggled to keep up with his team mate which ultimately led to his seat being taken by Oscar Piastri for the 2023 season.
“For me personally, the ability to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely appealing”, Ricciardo demonstrates his joy over being back with his former team – time will tell if he will make it back to competitive F1 racing.