While team boss Christian Horner discussed the prospect of a full-time return, Daniel Ricciardo drove, for the first time, the Red Bull’s 2023 car in a Pirelli tire test at Silverstone.
The Australian put in his first on-track laps in the Red Bull RB19 Tuesday. Keen to return to the Formula 1 grid next season, he made it very clear that he’s opening to racing for AlphaTauri if the deal with Red Bull doesn’t come to fruition.
Recently, he returned to Red Bull as a third driver for 2023 after leaving McLaren at the end of last season. Now, he’s taking part in a Pirelli tyre test.
Almost done, Silverstone 🍯🦡
We’ve got Daniel driving the RB19 as part of a @pirellisport tyre test 📈 pic.twitter.com/i4n1SELiIK
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 11, 2023
During the British GP, Horner conceded this over the weekend, saying: “It’s an important test for Pirelli but it’s also going to be great to see him back in a Red Bull car and seeing where he’s at – both on pace and mentally, physically.”
Ricciardo said last month that the “fairy-tale ending” to his F1 career would be racing for Red Bull again. Between 2014-2018, the Australian won seven races for the team.
Now, depending on his performance, Ricciardo could even find himself in the AT04 as early as the first race after the summer break, the Dutch Grand Prix. Helmut Marko revealed that Red Bull are “reviewing the situation” at AlphaTauri.
Red Bull have world champion Max Verstappen under contract until 2028, while Sergio Perez is contracted for 2024. Horner has repeatedly said the Mexican’s seat is not in danger, despite his failing to make it into Q3 for the past five races.
As it stands, there are seats open for 2024 at Mercedes – though Lewis Hamilton is expected to sign a contract extension soon. Also, at AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo/Sauber, Haas and Williams.
