F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo Confirmed For 2024 AlphaTauri Seat - Liam Lawson Reserve Driver
In a significant development ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, AlphaTauri has confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will be continuing within their ranks for the 2024 season. The eight-time Grand Prix winner will be partnering with Yuki Tsunoda, who is also set to announce a contract extension with the team.
This announcement comes after much speculation about the team's lineup for the upcoming season. While Tsunoda's position seemed more or less secure, the second seat was a topic of intense debate. Liam Lawson, the Red Bull reserve driver who has been turning heads with his stellar performances in place of the injured Ricciardo, has been named as the team's reserve driver for 2024.
In a press release from AlphaTauri, a confident Daniel Ricciardo says the following:
“I’m stoked to be driving with Yuki again next year and continuing the journey with Scuderia AlphaTauri. 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!”
Team principal Franz Tost also said the following:
“Next year, the technical regulations remain largely unchanged,” he said. "And it was therefore logical to go for continuity in our driver line-up too.
"I am very pleased with the development that Yuki has shown over the last two and a half years with our team and with Daniel’s great race-winning experience we will have one of the most competitive driver pairings on the grid in 2024.
"Peter (Bayer) and Laurent (Mekies) will have a great duo to start the new season in the right direction. As for Liam, who has impressed everyone in his 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 One soon.”
Ricciardo's journey this season has been fraught with challenges. After replacing Nyck de Vries mid-season, he unfortunately suffered a metacarpal injury during the Dutch Grand Prix's second free practice session, limiting his appearances. Tsunoda reflected on the team's dynamics, saying:
"Racing alongside Daniel for just two races was a brief experience, but his expertise was evident. Liam, too, made a mark when he stepped in, especially with strong performances at Monza and Singapore."
He further added:
"AlphaTauri, while being a junior team, has its own set of challenges. The focus is always on striking a balance between nurturing talent and achieving results. With Daniel's experience and Liam's emerging prowess, the team is poised for an exciting season ahead."
The F1 community now eagerly awaits the duo's performance in the 2024 season, with many expecting a blend of Ricciardo's seasoned approach and Tsunoda's youthful exuberance to push AlphaTauri to new heights.