AlphaTauri confirms Tsunoda and Ricciardo, no seat for Lawson

AlphaTauri has officially confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo will compete for the team for the 2024 Formula 1 season, overlooking New Zealand’s Liam Lawson for the role despite his strong claim to a seat of late.

The team has confirmed Lawson will remain in the fold as a reserve driver for both Red Bull teams, focussing on testing, simulator sessions and development work and attending each race.

“Next year, the technical regulations remain largely unchanged,” said Franz Tost, Scuderia AlphaTauri Team Principal. “It was therefore logical to go for continuity in our driver line-up too. 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.”

“I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season”, said Yuki 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.”

Ricciardo adds: “I’m stoked to be driving with Yuki again next year and continuing the journey with Scuderia AlphaTauri. 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!”

Peter Bayer, Scuderia AlphaTauri CEO: “We are in a privileged position where we have access to multiple great talents from the Red Bull world. This is a credit to the work that Dr. Marko has been doing for many years. Both Daniel and Yuki have not just shown fantastic racecraft but are also great global ambassadors for our team and our sport.

“Liam put himself in the spotlight of F1 in only three races, and I am very happy that we can continue to prepare him for his future.”

Lawson and Tsnoda will take to the track with AlphaTauri for the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying at 5:00pm this evening.