AlphaTauri has officially announced its driver lineup for the 2024 Formula 1 season, confirming that both Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the team.
This decision marks the continuation of their partnership, while young talent Liam Lawson, who stepped in for Ricciardo during his absence due to injury, takes on a role as a reserve and simulator driver for Red Bull’s F1 teams.
News Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix
The announcement was made just before the Japanese Grand Prix, which carries special significance as Yuki Tsunoda’s home race. With AlphaTauri’s confirmation, only one seat is left to be filled on the 2024 F1 grid, and it’s at the Williams team.
Tsunoda and Ricciardo’s Continuing Journey
Yuki Tsunoda will embark on his fourth season with AlphaTauri, reflecting the team’s confidence in his capabilities. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo, who rejoined AlphaTauri during the 2023 season, is set for a full season on the grid as he pursues his “dream” of returning to the senior Red Bull team in 2025.
“I’m thrilled to drive alongside Yuki next year and continue the journey with Scuderia AlphaTauri,” expressed Ricciardo, showcasing his excitement. He added, “We are making progress, and it’s an exciting time for the team. We are building, and there is much to look forward to in 2024.”
Tsunoda echoed the sentiment, stating, “I’m looking forward to the future and collaborating with the team and Daniel. I’ll push hard for the remainder of the season and beyond to further progress as a driver. I’m grateful to Red Bull and Honda for their support and belief in me.”
Ricciardo’s Return and Lawson’s Standout Performances
Ricciardo’s return to AlphaTauri in 2023 followed Nyck de Vries’s release just ten races into his rookie season. However, Ricciardo suffered a hand injury during a practice crash at the Dutch Grand Prix. His return to racing is anticipated no earlier than the Qatar Grand Prix in two weeks.
In Ricciardo’s absence, Red Bull junior Liam Lawson impressed with his performances, securing his first F1 points with a ninth-place finish at the recent Singapore Grand Prix, also marking AlphaTauri’s best result of the season.
AlphaTauri’s Competitive Position
Currently, AlphaTauri holds the bottom spot in the Constructors’ Championship with five points. They trail ninth-placed Alfa Romeo by five points and eighth-placed Haas by seven points. The team is undergoing changes for the 2024 season, including welcoming Laurent Mekies, formerly Ferrari’s sporting director, as the new team principal.
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