Daniel Ricciardo says he is truly excited as the Oracle Red Bull Racing confirmed on Wednesday that the Australian is returning to the Milton Keynes-based outfit as their third driver.
Ricciardo left Red Bull at the end of the 2018 spending two years with Renault and McLaren respectively.
The Australian, who brings a vast amount of experience to the team commented saying:
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!”
The Oracle Red Bull Racing team had one of their most successful years in Formula One in 2022 with Max Verstappen retaining his championship while Sergio Perez ended the year in third place in the championship.
Red Bull also took victory in the Constructors championship and speaking about Ricciardo’s return, Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner said:
It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family. 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.