F1: Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo to Stay with AlphaTauri for 2024 Season, Liam Lawson Announced As Reserve
Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo will continue to race for AlphaTauri in 2024, with Liam Lawson serving as a reserve driver for both the Italian squad and Red Bull. As of now, Ricciardo is recovering from his wrist injury, while Liam continues to race for the team until Ricciardo can return.
By Kanika Sachdeva
F1: The folks from the Faenza outfit have revealed that AlphaTauri's race line-up for 2024 will consist of Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, with Liam Lawson to serve as a reserve driver for both Scuderia AlphaTauri and its sister team Red Bull. Tsunoda, who is all geared up for his fourth consecutive season at the Faenza outfit, made his debut for the AlphaTauri team in 2021 and has claimed three top-10 finishes this season. Over the last two and a half years with AlphaTauri, the Japanese racer has shown a combination of 'undoubtful natural talent and constant improvement' and 'ability to integrate into the team'. He will be joined by Daniel Ricciardo, whose return is still a 'while away' as he continues to recover from a broken hand, with the driver and team prioritising his full recovery. For those unaware, Ricciardo suffered a broken metacarpal during a Friday practice crash at Formula One's Dutch Grand Prix, resulting in New Zealander Liam Lawson earning his Formula One Grand Prix debut with the team.
Liam Lawson: Announced as a Reserve Driver for 2024
Speaking of Ricciardo's replacement, Liam Lowson has delivered 3 strong Grands Prix as a substitute for the Australian racer, including his maiden points finish in the Singapore GP. He will remain in position while Ricciardo recovers. In 2024, the youngest driver on the grid – Liam Lawson – will fulfill his reserve driver duties for both teams. "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, said Franz Tost, outgoing Team Principal, AlphaTauri.
Daniel Ricciardo To Continue with Alpha Tauri
As for Daniel Ricciardo who made it through to Q3 in only his first race in Hungary, AlphaTauri said, "Ricciardo’s “personal attitude and racing experience will be precious assets in 2024". The Red Bull-bound Australian raced for the team in 2012 and 2013 when they were known as Torro Rosso. Since then, the racer has secured eight Grand Prix wins. While he is expected to miss the Qatar Grand Prix 2023 – which is scheduled to take place from October 6 to 8, the plan remains for him to make a return this season, but not before he is properly healed. As of now, he has missed four races, including Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
Upon the announcement, Ricciardo said, "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!"
Yuki Tsunoda to Ride with Ricciardo Next Year
Franz Tost hailed Tsunoda's progress as the Japanese racing driver has matured into an established racer with the Italian team. Tsunoda expressed his enthusiasm and thanked Red Bull and Honda for their 'unwavering support'. He commented, " I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season. I’m looking forward to continuing to fight and collaborate with the team and Daniel."
Also Read: F1: McLaren Confirms Le Mans Winner Ryo Hirakawa as Reserve Driver for 2024
"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."
