AlphaTauri reveal F1 driver pairing for next season

AlphaTauri drivers Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo — Photo: © LAT Images

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AlphaTauri reveal F1 driver pairing for next season

The announcement came after a week of speculation around the Red Bull junior team

Chris Deeley

Saturday 23 September 2023 07:22

AlphaTauri have confirmed that they will retain Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo as their driver line-up for the 2024 Formula 1 season.

After starting the season with Nyck de Vries alongside Tsunoda, Ricciardo would replace the Dutchman before the summer break.

The Honey Badger was, in turn, replaced by fellow Antipodean Liam Lawson – although this time due to injury not poor performance, having broken a bone in his left hand during the course of the weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix.

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Lawson's impressive performances in relief of the Australian, notably making Q3 at the Singapore Grand Prix at the expense of Max Verstappen, were rumoured to possibly see him in contention for a shock 2024 race deal.

Tsunoda: I'll push as much as possible

Those hopes have now been scuppered (although the idea of a loan move to Williams to replace the struggling Logan Sargeant has been mooted), with the team's lineup now locked in for next season.

Tsunoda had hinted earlier in the Japanese Grand Prix weekend that his contract, at least, was sewn up – and was delighted to finally confirm the news officially.

"I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season," said the Japanese racer ahead of his home grand prix. "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."

Ricciardo: I'm stoked to continue the journey

Ricciardo, who first joined the team in its previous incarnation as Toro Rosso in 2012, before earning a Red Bull seat two years later, is also pleased to have secured a seat for next season after being without one at the start of this campaign after leaving McLaren.

"I’m stoked to be driving with Yuki again next year and continuing the journey with AlphaTauri," said the popular Aussie.

"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!"