Daniel Ricciardo has a new Formula One gig. The veteran F1 driver will replace Nyck de Vries as one of two AlphaTauri drivers on the grid for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Ricciardo joins AlphaTauri after serving as Red Bull’s third driver so far in 2023. The 34-year-old driver previously lost his place at McLaren after an underwhelming 2022 season.
“I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team,” said AlphaTauri’s Team Principal Franz Tost in a statement. “There’s no doubt about his driving skills, and he already knows many of us, so his integration will be easy and straightforward. The team will also profit a lot from his experience, as he is an eight-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner.”
Nyck de Vries got a shot with AlphaTauri after Pierre Gasly opted to leave for Alpine. However, the Dutch driver struggled mightily so far in the season, being one of only two F1 drivers without a single point. His best finish in 2023 was 12th place at Monaco GP.
Ricciardo should make AlphaTauri more competitive, but he isn’t expected to move the needle that much. AlphaTauri has arguably the worst car on the grid and is at the bottom of the F1 team standings.
Ricciardo previously had stints with HRT Formula 1 Team, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault, and McLaren. He has eight career wins and a total of 32 podiums.
