AlphaTauri make driver decision with announcement to come at Suzuka – report
AlphaTauri are the last to fill their two seats with both Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo out of contract this year.
AlphaTauri have reportedly decided to retain the services of both Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo for the 2024 season.
The future of Red Bull’s sister team was the last to be decided on the grid and despite the performances of Liam Lawson, they have reportedly kept the faith in their two drivers.
German outlet Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that both Tsunoda and Ricciardo will stay with the team for 2024 with the former’s deal set to be announced at his home race this weekend.
Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo set for AlphaTauri stay
The two AlphaTauri seats are the last to be filled for 2024 and that decision may have been a little easier just a few weeks ago. Ricciardo’s hand injury in Zandvoort put a spanner in the works with rookie Lawson coming in and impressing, including a points score in Singapore.
But owners Red Bull have reportedly decided to keep the Kiwi on the sidelines for another year by offering a new deal to Tsunoda and Ricciardo.
The move also ends any potential rumours that Sergio Perez’s Red Bull seat could be on the chopping block although that never seemed a realistic option given the words of Christian Horner.
According to AMuS, the renewal of Tsunoda, who has been with the team since 2021, will be announced this weekend during Tsunoda’s home race in Suzuka.
Earlier in the year, the 23-year-old hinted to PlanetF1.com that a new deal could be on its way although his form has stumbled since then including a Perez-enforced DNF in Singapore.
For Ricciardo, it gives him an extended audition for what he hopes will be a chance to prove he is capable of retaking his Red Bull seat. Perez’s Red Bull deal comes to an end in 2024 and should Ricciardo impress with the sister outfit then he could become a candidate to partner Max Verstappen.
PlanetF1.com has reached out to AlphaTauri to confirm the reports but at the time of writing had received no response.
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The confirmation of AlphaTauri’s future also rules out a return to the grid for Mick Schumacher who has been searching for a seat since his departure from Haas last season.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed he would be open to retaining Schumacher’s services as a reserve driver while also opening the door to a possible WEC drive.
“Mick has a place here as a reserve driver, he is part of the family,” Wolff told the media in Singapore. “We hope that he stays with us in that role.
“We will give him time in the car and if he can get a WEC seat with another manufacturer we will wholeheartedly support that.”
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