Daniel Ricciardo sends message to F1 fans as controversial return confirmed

12 July 2023 , 06:29

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Daniel Ricciardo has given his response to returning to the grid (Image: ESPN/Youtube)

Daniel Ricciardo has declared himself "happy to be back" after the Formula 1 star's shock move.

Red Bull have confirmed that the Aussie will race for AlphaTauri for the remainder of the season. He replaces Nyck de Vries after just ten races of the season after previously serving as a reserve driver for the team.

After losing his McLaren seat, Ricciardo has been loaned to Red Bull’s sister team. The decision comes after the 34-year-old drove a Formula 1 car for the first time since the end of last season in a tyre test at Silverstone on Tuesday.

Now, Ricciardo has taken to Instagram story to share a picture of himself giving a thumbs up with a big grin across his face in a message to fans.

That was accompanied by the caption: “Happy to be back.” It is the second time that he has expressed his delight at being called back into action.

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Speaking after the initial decision was made, Ricciardo responded: "I am stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family!"

Explaining the decision to recall Ricciardo in favour of De Vries for the remainder of the season, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: "It is great to see Daniel hasn't lost any form while away from racing and that the strides he has been making in his SIM sessions translate on track.

Daniel Ricciardo takes to Instagram with his response to his return (Instagram/Daniel Ricciardo)

Daniel Ricciardo will race for AlphaTauri for the rest of the season (Getty Images)

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"His times during the tyre test were extremely competitive. It was a very impressive drive and we are excited to see what the rest of the season brings for Daniel on loan at Scuderia AlphaTauri."

AlphaTauri will certainly hope that Ricciardo can provide a kick-start to their campaign. De Vries had not picked up a single point in his ten races so far - the Dutch driver just one of two pointless drivers so far this season alongside American Logan Sargeant.

Meanwhile, AlphaTauri currently sit bottom of the 2023 Constructor Standings with just two points to their name, whilst sister side Red Bull have built-up a huge lead at the top of the table - no doubt with huge help from Max Verstappen who has enjoyed a stunning start to the campaign.

Despite De Vries’ tough season so far, Sky Sports pundit David Croft believes that Red Bull have been slightly too premature in their decision to change drivers. He tweeted: "DANIEL RICCIARDO ON LOAN TO SCUDERIA ALPHATAURI FOR REMAINDER OF 2023 SEASON 1st race will be Hungary next week.

“Can’t help think that however nice it will be to have Daniel back on the grid, Nyck wasn’t given enough to time to show what he can do - 10 races!"

Daniel Orme