Daniel Ricciardo was initially hesitant about returning to Formula 1 this season but couldn’t turn down the chance to drive for AlphaTauri due to the potential opportunity it presents for a Red Bull comeback.
According to ESPN, the Australian was not enthusiastic about getting back behind the wheel in 2023, but the prospect of being back on the grid was too tempting to refuse.
Ricciardo’s move to AlphaTauri puts him back in contention for a seat at Red Bull, as Sergio Perez continues to struggle alongside Max Verstappen.
The decision to secure the AlphaTauri seat came after Ricciardo impressed Red Bull team bosses during a Pirelli tyre test at Silverstone.
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During his first run in the RB19, just days after the British Grand Prix, Ricciardo set competitive lap times. Speculations suggest that his best run would have been fast enough for the front row of the grid, surpassing Lando Norris’ Q3 lap time.
Following the announcement of Nyck de Vries’ immediate departure from AlphaTauri, Ricciardo expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family.”
He also took to social media to share his enthusiasm with his followers, uploading a selfie wearing a Red Bull helmet and captioning it, “Haven’t been able to take it off.”
Red Bull also joined in the celebration by posting a picture of a jubilant Ricciardo, stating, “When the news drops that you’ll be back on the F1 grid at the next race.”
Team principal Christian Horner confirmed that Ricciardo’s impressive performance during the Silverstone tyre test played a crucial role in securing his place in the squad.
Horner commented, “It is great to see Daniel hasn’t lost any form while away from racing and that the strides he has been making in his sim sessions translate on track.
“His times during the tyre test were extremely competitive.
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“It was a very impressive drive, and we are excited to see what the rest of the season brings for Daniel on loan at Scuderia AlphaTauri.”
Ricciardo’s return to Formula 1 presents an exciting opportunity for both him and the Red Bull family.
With his proven skills and previous successes, the Australian driver aims to make the most of this chance to showcase his abilities and potentially secure a future seat with the Red Bull family.