AlphaTauri confirmed on Saturday that Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the team in the Formula 1 World Championship next year, and current substitute Liam Lawson will be a reserve driver for the Red Bull teams. This announcement, made ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, put an end to speculation about the drivers lined up to compete for the team next year, leaving Williams as the only team with a potential vacant seat.
New Zealand driver Lawson (21 years old) excelled in three races as a replacement for Australian Ricciardo after the 34-year-old driver suffered a broken hand during a crash last month. Peter Bayer, the new CEO of AlphaTauri, stated: "We are in a unique position, as we have access to many great talents from the Red Bull world. Ricciardo and Yuki have shown excellent skills and represent our team wonderfully. Liam has put himself in the spotlight of Formula 1 in just three races, and I am very happy that we can continue to prepare him for his future."
Ricciardo, whose return to the team is still a bit distant, expressed his "excitement" to continue his professional comeback that started this season. The eight-time race winner has begun the year taking a break after a tough period at McLaren. The Australian driver mentioned in a statement: "After the progress we've already made and future plans, the team is having an exciting time. We are building, and that feels great as we approach 2024."
Tsunoda, the only Japanese Formula 1 driver and supported by Honda, AlphaTauri's partner, will compete for the fourth season after joining in 2021. Franz Tost, the outgoing president of AlphaTauri, who will hand over to Laurent Mekies, said, "Next year, the technical regulations will remain largely unchanged, so it made sense to seek continuity in our current lineup. I am very happy with the development Yuki has shown over the past two and a half years with our team, and with Ricciardo's great experience in winning races, we will have one of the most competitive teams in the championship next year."
