Who will be backing up each of the teams during the 2023 season? A run through the F1 Reserve Drivers for next year.
Everyone knows the two drivers for each of the respective F1 teams. However, many might not know which driver(s) stand in support throughout the season in the event they are called on. Last season saw Nyck de Vries and Nico Hulkenberg both step in and drive in an F1 Grand Prix – and now both will be on the 2023 grid. These drivers help with simulator work, they may be a young driver gaining F1 experience, or just an experience backup on hand. With the 2022 season in the rearview mirror, here is the F1 Reserve Drivers lineup for 2023.
Red Bull
- Daniel Riccardo (3rd Driver), Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, Zane Maloney
After being ousted from McLaren, Daniel has returned home to Red Bull for the 2023 season as the third driver, mainly for PR events. This is a move that is not just a way for Daniel to resurrect his career, but for Red Bull, Daniel’s popularity will be greatly beneficial. Specifically, for the crazy Red Bull car stunts we see every year. Young Red Bull drivers Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, and Zane Maloney will operate as the Reserve Drivers for the Milton Keynes outfit alongside Red Bull’s sister team: AlphaTauri.
Ferrari
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Antonio Giovinazzi
The Italian with some of the best hair the grid has ever seen. Antonio Giovinazzi left F1 last year after losing his seat at Alfa Romeo and picking up a drive for Dragon in Formula E. Gio has been a Ferrari Reserve Driver for a number of seasons and will keep his role for 2023.
Mercedes
- Mick Schumacher
The latest announcement concerning reserve drivers is Mick Schumacher. Son of F1 legends and former Mercedes driver Michael, Mick joins the team for the 2023 season, having been let go at Haas for Nico Hulkenberg. Schumacher will look to emulate what Esteban Ocon did back in 2019 and return to the grid after just one year as a reserve.
Alpine
- Jack Doohan (Not Confirmed)
Currently, Alpine is one of two teams without a reserve confirmed. With Oscar Piastri fleeing to McLaren for 2023, it leaves the reserve role at Alpine vacant. Rumors are that their top academy driver Jack Doohan will take over the role. Alpine will lack an experienced Reserve Driver in 2023, but Doohan will gain valuable experience toward a potential future F1 seat.
McLaren
- Alex Palou
There has been some great recruiting for Team Woking. Oscar Piastri has been snatched from Alpine. They have also snatched Alex Palou to be their Reserve Driver while they await his IndyCar contract with Chip Ganassi to end after a lengthy legal battle. McLaren no doubt has the most talented trio of young drivers on their books on the grid.
Alfa Romeo
- Theo Pourchaire
Alfa Romeo will have the 2022 F2 Vice-Champion, Theo Pourchaire. Pourchaire has been part of Sauber’s young driver program since he won the ADAC Formula 4 championship in 2019. The future Audi outfit now has a promising prospective driver for the future.
Aston Martin
- Stoffel Vandoorne, Felipe Drugovich
Aston has had a strong Reserve Driver for the past few years with Nico Hulkenberg. Now with the Hulk joining Haas for a full-time race seat, Aston Martin is switching up their approach for 2023. First, former McLaren driver and current Formula E Champion, Stoffel Vandoorne, will take over the primary role while driving for DS Penske in Formula E this season. He will look to emulate what Hulkenberg did and position himself for a full-time race seat for 2024. Aston Martin will also have F2 Champion Felipe Drugovich as a Reserve Driver in 2023. He will look to take part in a few practice sessions during the season and is the first member of their Young Driver Program.
Haas
- Pietro Fittipaldi
With an experienced main driver pairing, Haas also has a very experienced reserve in Pietro Fittipaldi. The Brazilian has been the reserve for the American team for three seasons now. While Pietro’s chance on the F1 grid is likely passed, it is clear that Gene Haas and Gunter Steiner value what he brings to the team. Steiner mentioned recently on the Beyond the Grid podcast that he believes he works much better with experienced drivers.
AlphaTauri
- Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, and Zane Maloney (Not Confirmed)
Whilst there has not been an official Reserve Driver(s) announcement, AlphaTauri will have the Red Bull Youngsters fill in that role. Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, and Zane Maloney will likely operate with the Faenza team in tandem with Red Bull Racing. The trio will rotate weekends in between their racing duties across Formula 2 and Super Formula.
Williams
- Jake Aitken (Not Confirmed)
Logan Sargent has been promoted from Formula 2 for the 2023 season. However, the reserve role at Williams remains unfilled. They also are waiting to appoint the new Team Principle. Williams will likely need to fill in that role before they find a Reserve Driver. Jake Aitken will likely return to the team as a reserve to aid with continuity.
