Enlarge image
Daniel Ricciardo: third driver behind Verstappen and Perez
Photo:
BEN STANSALL / AFP
Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo returns to Red Bull.
"Ricciardo will be our third driver," said Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko on Sky on the sidelines of the first free practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Sunday, 2 p.m., CET; TV: Sky).
As Marko announced on Friday on the Sky TV channel, Ricciardo should be scheduled primarily for marketing assignments.
At the same time, Formula 2 driver Liam Lawson is to become a reserve driver for Red Bull and sister team Alpha Tauri in the coming season, as Marko further announced.
There was initially no official confirmation of the personal details.
Ricciardo had lost his cockpit
The 33-year-old Ricciardo had not received a new contract with McLaren for the coming season.
He drove for Red Bull from 2013 to 2018 and celebrated seven of his eight victories during this time.
In the McLaren, Ricciardo was able to finish in the top ten this season.
His best position was at the Singapore Grand Prix when he finished fifth.
World champion Max Verstappen (contract until 2028) and Sergio Pérez (2024) are planned as regular drivers for the world champion racing team in the coming season.
Ricciardo was also on the list for a possible post as a reserve driver at Mercedes, and Mick Schumacher, who lost his cockpit at US racing team Haas on Thursday, can still hope for this.
bka/sid/dpa