Last week, Red Bull motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, terminated the contract of De Vries, following a lackluster first half of the 2023 campaign.
This dismissal is yet another in a series of mid-season driver changes characteristic of Red Bull, marking Daniel Ricciardo as De Vries’ replacement starting from the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.
Lewis Hamilton, who collaborated with De Vries during his stint as a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2021 and 2022, expressed his belief that De Vries’ replacement was premature and happened too soon before the summer break.
When queried about De Vries’ early dismissal, Hamilton concurred, adding, “Indeed. But that’s Red Bull’s style.”
When prodded about whether this was reflective of F1’s stringent attitude towards newcomers, Hamilton reiterated, “That is the way Red Bull operates.”
Despite considering Red Bull’s decision hasty, Hamilton remained confident that De Vries’ career in racing is far from finished.
“I was absolutely taken aback by the decision concerning poor Nyck,” Hamilton commented. “He is an extraordinarily talented young individual, and such a pleasant person too.
“I am certain that his future still holds great promise and that he will have a multitude of promising options.”
Nyck de Vries’ F1 departure has paved the way for Ricciardo, whose reappearance did not surprise Hamilton given his heavy involvement in F1 weekends throughout this season.
“He has been present the entire year,” Hamilton noted. “He attended all driver briefings this year.
“It’s uncommon to see a reserve driver attending the drivers’ briefing, but him not actively competing is quite unusual. Nevertheless, I am not taken aback by his return.”
De Vries is the most recent casualty of Red Bull’s routine mid-season driver changes, typically impacting the main team of the energy drink corporation.
Daniil Kvyat was replaced by Max Verstappen in 2016, while Pierre Gasly was substituted for Alex Albon in 2019.
Albon remained until the 2020 season’s conclusion, taking on a third-driver role with Red Bull before making a triumphant return to racing with Williams in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Red Bull’s mid-season driver changes
Who replaced Nyck de Vries at Red Bull?
Daniel Ricciardo replaced Nyck de Vries at Red Bull starting from the Hungarian Grand Prix.
What was Lewis Hamilton’s reaction to Red Bull’s decision to dismiss De Vries?
Hamilton criticized Red Bull’s decision to dismiss De Vries mid-season as premature and hasty. However, he expressed faith that De Vries’ racing career was far from over.
Why is De Vries’ replacement, Daniel Ricciardo, not a surprise to Hamilton?
Ricciardo’s return to F1 racing is not a surprise to Hamilton as Ricciardo has been heavily involved in F1 weekends throughout the 2023 season, including attending all driver briefings.
How does Hamilton describe Red Bull’s approach to swapping drivers?
Hamilton refers to Red Bull’s approach to swapping drivers as hasty and typical of their style, especially in terms of their treatment of rookies.
Who were the other drivers affected by Red Bull’s mid-season driver changes in the past?
In the past, Red Bull has swapped Daniil Kvyat with Max Verstappen in 2016 and Pierre Gasly with Alex Albon in 2019. Albon lasted until the end of the 2020 season, before successfully returning to racing with Williams in 2022.
More about Red Bull’s mid-season driver changes
- Red Bull Racing’s Official Website
- Formula 1 (F1) Official Website
- Lewis Hamilton’s Official Website
- Profile of Nyck de Vries
- Profile of Daniel Ricciardo
5 comments
This ain’t new, Red Bull always do this. But Ricciardo back? That’s interesting. Let’s see how this plays out.
I’ve followed de Vries since his Mercedes days. I trust Hamilton, the guys future still looks bright. can’t w8 to see what’s next for him!
it’s a tough world, F1. Hamilton’s right, that’s just how Red Bull works. Still, can’t wait to see Ricciardo back on track.
I agree with Hamilton, they dropped De Vries too quickly. Give the rookies a chance, RB!
Ah man, really felt bad for de Vries. He’s talented, just needed more time. Typical of Red Bull though. Ricciardo, you’re next!