What’s the difference between an F1 reserve driver and a test driver?
Additional drivers within Formula 1 teams don’t all have the same job title. The terms ‘third driver’ and ‘reserve driver’ are both in regular use, although some teams combine this role.
The third driver is better described as the test driver. Teams rope them in to help the regular drivers and engineers improve the car. Every now and then, a third driver may take charge of a test day or Friday practice to build a better feel for the car. Demos or other PR stunts often fall to the third driver too.
A reserve driver, on the other hand, is on standby during grand prix weekends to fill in in case one of the regular drivers cannot drive for some reason. So they are present at most grands prix, watching the action in the pitbox. Outside the race weekend, the reserve driver is also regularly at work in the simulator.
- Reserve drivers: Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, Zane Maloney
- Third driver: Daniel Ricciardo
- Simulator driver: Rudy van Buren
Red Bull has not skimped on behind-the-scenes helpers for Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Young talents Liam Lawson, Zane Maloney and Dennis Hauger are all on the payroll as official reserve drivers for both the primary team and AlphaTauri. The trio will alternate during grand prix weekends, giving them a valuable glimpse into how things operate, with an eye to the future.
In November, Red Bull announced Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the team as a third driver. The Australian wanted a break from the limelight after his troubled spell at McLaren and was able to join his old employer. The good-humoured driver will be responsible for numerous PR activities, but will also step into the simulator to support the regular drivers.
Finally, Rudy van Buren is the Red Bull F1 simulator test and development driver. The Dutchman plays an important role behind the scenes and spends many hours in the team’s simulator. With testing opportunities in F1 limited, Van Buren’s role is very valuable. He is mainly involved in developing the car and ‘track support’: trying out set-ups and potential updates for the regular drivers during GP weekends and making suggestions accordingly.
Rudy van Buren, Red Bull F1 Simulator Test and Development Driver
Foto: Red Bull Racing
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