Scuderia AlphaTauri has announced that Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo will race for the Faenza-based squad in 2024.
Furthermore, Red Bull also confirmed that Liam Lawson will reprise his reserve driver role for both Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri.
The talented Kiwi is currently subbing for Ricciardo at AlphaTauri as the Aussie recovers from a fractured metacarpal sustained at Zandvoort last month.
Next year, Tsunoda will undertake his fourth season with AlphaTauri, a privilege the Japanese driver owes to his “undoubtful natural talent and constant improvement” according to the Italian outfit.
“I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season”, said Tsunoda.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to fight and collaborate with the team and Daniel. 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.”
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Ricciardo was drafted in over the summer, at the Hungarian Grand Prix, following rookie Nyck de Vries’ inability to perform at a satisfactory level. The Aussie is expected to return to racing at next month’s US Grand Prix.
Given Lawson’s strong performances of late, there were doubts over whether Ricciardo would extend his stay with AlphaTauri. But the 34-year-old will be on the grid next year.
“I’m stoked to be driving with Yuki again next year and continuing the journey with Scuderia AlphaTauri,” he said.
“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!”
©AlphaTauri
AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost, who will retire at the end of the season, said the team’s driver line-up decision was justified by a need for continuity.
“Next year, the technical regulations remain largely unchanged and it was therefore logical to go for continuity in our driver line-up too,” said Tost.
“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.”
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