Red Bull has officially confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo has joined the team as third driver.

According to today's release, the Australian will assist the team with testing and sim work, as well as commercial activity.

With 29 trophies to his name, there were plenty of high points in an excellent first run with Red Bull. Immediately making an impact in his first year in 2014, finishing 3rd in the championship and securing wins in Montreal and Budapest.

Then onto 2015 and an epic Monaco performance and the fastest lap of the race, taking his maiden pole at the same race a year later. In 2016, he was also the only driver to finish all 21 races. 2017 saw Daniel win a wild Azerbaijan Grand Prix and take eight other podiums, before rolling into the 2018 season with a bang. He won two of the first six races that year, storming through the field in China and then who can forget that win in Monaco or perhaps just as iconic, that dive into the swimming pool?

Since He left the team at the end of 2018, he has spent 2 years respectively at Renault and McLaren. Whilst he hasn't seen the success he was accustomed to, he remains a phenomenal and highly respected driver who brings another layer of knowledge and expertise to the team.

"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."

"The smile says it all," added Ricciardo, "I'm truly excited to be coming back home to Red Bull 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!"

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 24/11/2022 0:32

"On reflection this move makes sense. He's no doubt in need of some respite from 12 years at the grindstone!! Whilst it looks smooth and simple the constant pressure to perform at 100% level can take its toll. Yes, it's a gamble for the future with so many hotshoes coming off the production line but what was the alternative? He doesn't want to look at other series ATM and I can understand that so to remain in touch at the No.1 team in the paddock can't be a bad thing. He's much appreciated at Red Bull so let's just hope that Daniel enjoys his sabbatical and that he comes back even stronger in the future. I'm not looking gorward to when the lights go out in Bahrein next year and there's no DR on the grid...."

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2. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 23/11/2022 21:33

"Checo mate. "

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3. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 23/11/2022 21:30

"I don't think Checo has anything to worry about, it's not like Dan is going to be 0.5s quicker in sim tests."

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4. Posted by Greg, 23/11/2022 15:56

"I will wait and see how this return to RB evolves. Checho??"

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5. Posted by Superbird70, 23/11/2022 15:24

"Looks like he'll be driving the team transporter, and doing dog and pony shows. Too bad. He deserved a better end to his F1 career."

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6. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 23/11/2022 14:35

"Did not see that coming! that puts Checo under pressure to raise his game in 2023."

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Official: Ricciardo returns to Red Bull

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