Written by Owen Bradley
Credit: Peter Fox
Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have re-signed with Italian team, Alphatauri, for the 2024 season, with Liam Lawson in the Reserve and Development Driver role.
Yuki Tsunoda joined the team in 2021, and impressed in his rookie season, frequently going head-to-head against proven Formula One champions and race winners, battling the likes of Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo himself. Over the last couple of years, Tsunoda has continued to improve upon his pace, with a career best result of Fourth at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he overtook Valtteri Bottas on the final lap of the race, which is a little known fact in Formula One, as something far more dramatic happened on that final lap. Regarding the news of re-signing his contract, Tsunoda said: “Obviously, I’ll push as much as possible for the rest of the season and beyond, to progress as a driver. I’m grateful for Red Bull and Honda, for continuing to support and believe in me, and very happy and thankful to continue the partnership.”
Credit: Rudy Carezzevoli
Daniel Ricciardo joined Alphatauri in 2023, although technically had previously been with the Red Bull junior team before, but under the name of "Toro Rosso" instead back in 2012 and 2013. Ricciardo is hoping to restart his Formula One career and seemingly hopes to take a swing at getting back into the second seat at Red Bull, but first he needs to prove himself once again in this Alphatauri. With Ricciardo's recent injury at the Dutch Grand Prix, it has written him off for most of the remaining races in the season, with even further delays for his return being suggested now for after Qatar. However, it appears that he is being given another chance, with a full-time seat in 2024, he is now confirmed to be getting another full season, which many of his fans were concerned about, given that he returned for just two races before his injury. Ricciardo had this to say: “I’m stoked to be driving with Yuki again next year and continuing the journey with Scuderia Alpha Tauri. Following the progress we have already made and the plans for the future, it’s an exciting time for the team. We are building and it is a great feeling. There is a lot of work to do, but we are heading in the right direction and there is a lot to look forward to. Bring on 2024!”
Although this is good news for Ricciardo and Tsunoda fans, many people have raised the question about Rookie Liam Lawson, who has taken the place of Ricciardo since the injury, and managed to score points in Singapore, just his third start in Formula One, in a car which can be difficult to drive at times. Many fans were calling for the New Zealander to drive for Alphatauri in 2024, given his impressive junior career, and his excellent start to his Formula One career. After all, it is difficult to step in for another driver mid-season, but especially as a rookie. Liam Lawson will serve as the Alphatauri Reserve driver in 2024, which may perhaps seem disappointing after such a strong start, but Alphatauri CEO, Pete Bayer and Alphatauri's 2024 Team Principal, said: "As for Liam, who has impressed everyone in the races so far, he will definitely help the team in his development role as a third driver, and I'm sure he will have a future in Formula 1 soon."
Credit: Clive Mason
This huge news for the team, comes at the Japanese Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda's home race and also home to the Red Bull Powertrain engine supplier, Honda.
What do you make of this news? are you happy Daniel Ricciardo is being given a full season with Alphatauri, or should the seat have gone to a younger driver in Liam Lawson? Let us know in the comments below!
All quotes in this article are to the credit of Formula One.
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I sincerely hope after qualifying today that James Vowles of William's has marched down the pit lane and negotiates with Red Bull to get Lawson to replace Sargeant for next year, even if as an on loan type deal with the option of Lawson going back. I really fear for Daniel, he has had so many hard knocks over the last 2 to 3 years, can he really be the driver he once was, I doubt it and it will be horrible watching that play out.