The 2023 F1 season is set to begin. Pre-season testing has concluded, and teams are all set for the season opener in Bahrain. In Formula 1, 2 drivers race in a Grand Prix for each team. However, teams also sign reserve drivers who are usually present throughout the race weekend. A reserve driver is often referred to as the third driver. As they typically work together with the team back at the factory as well.
The roles and responsibilities of a Formula 1 reserve vary from team to team. Although, the main duties include acting as a potential replacement for any session if either of the drivers is unfit to race. The most recent example of such an occurrence was during pre-season testing. Aston Martin reserve, Felipe Drugovich, stood in for an injured Lance Stroll to participate in the team’s scheduled running for the three days.
Reserve drivers are also expected to be part of a team’s debrief sessions. They are kept in the loop regarding the car’s development and aid the team’s efforts by regularly running on the simulator. Additionally, third drivers are often part of a Formula 1 team’s marketing endeavors. Daniel Ricciardo’s role at Red Bull Racing is focused on an ambassadorial role for the Australian driver. This article delves into the reserve driver line-ups for all the teams this season
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Red Bull Racing
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The reigning champions have not left any stone unturned in its reserve drivers this season. The team continues its line-up of junior talent as its reserves. Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, and Zane Maloney are all Red Bull junior talents who will get the opportunity to see the workings of the championship-winning team. Subsequently, these drivers will also take up the reserve roles at the sister team Alpha Tauri.
Arguably, the biggest addition to Milton Keynes is Daniel Ricciardo. Although, it must be noted that the Australian driver is considered a third driver with a more marketing-centric role. Previously, Team Principal Christian Horner stated that Ricciardo would get some time on the team’s simulator. Additionally, Rudy van Buren will continue as the team’s simulator and reserve driver.
Scuderia Ferrari
Former F1 driver, Antonio Giovinazzi will continue his services at Maranello. The Italian driver switched to a reserve driver role at Ferrari after being ousted from Alfa Romeo after the 2021 F1 season. Giovanazzi has been a stable part of the Scuderia since and has provided valuable contributions to the team’s development. Moreover, Ferrari Academy driver, Robert Shwartzman will regularly contest test sessions for the team this season.
Mercedes
The Silver Arrows stunned the paddock after it signed Mick Schumacher as its reserve for 2023. Haas did not renew Schumacher’s contract after 2022 as the German driver failed to deliver consistent results. Subsequently, the 23-year-old has been forced to sit on the sidelines with Mercedes. Mick hopes to make a comeback to Formula 1 in the future. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has stated his trust his faith in the talent of the German driver.
Alpine
The French team has promoted Jack Doohan to the role of the reserve for 2023. Doohan will replace Oscar Piastri in this role after Piastri decides to switch to McLaren. Alpine boss, Laurent Rossi has stated that Doohan can eventually become a Formula 1 driver for the team. Although, the 20-year-old must win the Formula 2 title to enhance his chances for that lucrative F1 seat.
McLaren
McLaren has a long line-up of reserve drivers for this season. Indycar driver Alex Palou will be providing his services to the Woking-based team. Interestingly, McLaren has opted to keep its options open for other drivers to fill in for the team. Mercedes reserve, Mick Schumacher will be available throughout the season for the British team in case his services are needed.
In 2022, Nyck de Vries was also part of McLaren’s driver pool alongside his duties at Mercedes. Although for this season, McLaren has also come to an agreement with Aston Martin to utilize its reserve drivers. Subsequently, Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich will be available for the team, albeit only for the first 15 races. Additionally, Will Stevens and Oliver Turvey will be the test and development drivers for McLaren Formula 1 team.
Alfa Romeo
The Sauber-run Alfa Romeo will soon become a full-fledged Audi works team in 2026. The Swiss team looks to develop its own talent for the long term. As such, Sauber Academy driver Theo Pourchaire has been promoted to be the team’s official reserve driver for this season. The French driver might be on the cards for a future seat on the team.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin has high ambitions in Formula 1. Subsequently, the British team has signed the reigning Formula 2 champion, Felipe Drugovich as its reserve driver for the year. Drugovich is also the first driver in the team’s development program. Additionally, former Formula E champion and Mercedes reserve, Stoffel Vandoorne, joins the team. Vandoorne will be the reserve driver of the team, alongside taking up the testing duties.
Haas
The American team sticks with its tried and tested reserve driver, Pietro Fittipaldi. The 26-year-old comes from a family rich with a racing history. Fittipaldi has previously raced for Haas in Formula 1 for the final two rounds in 2020 as the Brazilian driver subbed in for an injured Romain Grosjean. Pietro will continue on for a fourth season with the team. Although, Haas has still not considered him for a promotion to full-time so far.
Alpha Tauri
The Red Bull sister team will use the same drivers as the Milton-Keynes team. Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, and Zane Maloney will rotate their duties among themselves on the Italian team. This, in turn, provides a great opportunity for these young talents to showcase their skills and perhaps convince the bosses for a promotion to an Alpha Tauri race seat in the future.
Williams
Williams Racing has not officially appointed any driver as its reserve for 2023. Logan Sargeant held this role in 2022, but will now be racing full-time for the team. The British team is likely to call upon Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher to fill in as per required. Similarly, the team had called Nyck de Vries to stand in at the Italian Grand Prix last season.
Thus, that sums up all the reserve drivers for this season, most teams have opted for drivers with close connections. In contrast, some seem to be open to using drivers from other teams. Certainly, being a reserve driver can allow for future opportunities in Formula 1, such as Nyck de Vries, who will be racing for Alpha Tauri, or even Nico Hulkenberg, who makes a return to the sport with Haas this year.
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