Horner retrieves Ricciardo: 'Very excited for him to return'

Daniel Ricciardo will return to Red Bull Racing as the third driver in 2023. Christian Horner is very happy about bringing the Australian back. At the end of 2018, the latter left the team for a switch to Renault.

Helmut Marko already made the news all but official in Abu Dhabi, but on the Wednesday after the last race weekend of 2022, the deal has been confirmed. Red Bull are bringing back their prodigal son, but not for a permanent seat. In fact, Ricciardo will sign a contract with the Austrian energy giant as a test and third driver.

"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," Horner stated in the statement.

Horner already announced in Abu Dhabi that Ricciardo will not be breathing down Sergio Perez's neck. Ricciardo would not have an option in his contract to become a regular driver, as Red Bull's current drivers have also been tied up for longer. For instance, the Mexican still has a contract until 2024 and Max Verstappen is even fixed until 2028.