Ricciardo to make shock AlphaTauri F1 return, De Vries out

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In a surprising turn of events, AlphaTauri has made a significant change to its Formula 1 lineup. Nyck de Vries, who struggled to make an impact during his short tenure with the team, has been let go after just 10 races. AlphaTauri has officially announced that Daniel Ricciardo, currently serving as Red Bull’s third driver, will take over De Vries’ seat for the remainder of the 2023 season, starting from the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix.

In a statement, the team expressed its pleasure in welcoming Daniel Ricciardo back to the fold. They acknowledged his undeniable driving skills and highlighted his familiarity with the team, making his integration seamless. The team also emphasized the valuable experience Ricciardo brings to the table, given his status as an eight-time Formula 1 grand prix winner. AlphaTauri expressed gratitude to Nyck de Vries for his contributions and wished him well for the future.

Ricciardo rejoined the Red Bull family as a third driver after parting ways with McLaren at the end of the previous year, a year before his contract was due to expire. Following an exhausting stint with the Woking team, the Australian driver opted for a sabbatical to recharge. However, he remained race-ready and recently completed his first test with the current Red Bull RB19 car.

Now, Ricciardo has been granted the opportunity to compete in 12 races for AlphaTauri, where he aims to prove himself to Red Bull. This opportunity could potentially lead to a challenge against Sergio Perez for a seat alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, expressed his excitement at Ricciardo’s impressive performance during the recent tyre test and eagerly anticipates the rest of the season for him at AlphaTauri.

It’s worth noting that Ricciardo previously drove for AlphaTauri when it was known as Toro Rosso in 2012 and 2013 before being promoted to Red Bull’s main team. He achieved seven of his eight Formula 1 wins alongside Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen while driving for Red Bull before moving on to Renault and subsequently McLaren.

De Vries, along with rookie Logan Sargeant, struggled to secure any points in the 2023 season. He faced difficulties in keeping up with his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. AlphaTauri’s underperforming AT04 car also hampered his progress, leaving the team at the bottom of the constructors’ championship with only two points after 10 races. Red Bull, particularly driver advisor Helmut Marko, grew impatient with De Vries, leading to his replacement after just 10 races.

In summary, this unexpected move sees Daniel Ricciardo making a comeback to AlphaTauri, while Nyck de Vries departs from the team. The Formula 1 community eagerly awaits Ricciardo’s performance and the potential implications for his future within the Red Bull team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AlphaTauri

Q: Who will replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri for the remainder of the F1 season?

A: Daniel Ricciardo, the Red Bull third driver, will step into Nyck de Vries’ seat at AlphaTauri for the remaining races of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Q: Why was Nyck de Vries dismissed from AlphaTauri?

A: Nyck de Vries was let go by AlphaTauri after just 10 races due to a disappointing start to his F1 career with the team. He struggled to make an impact and was not performing up to expectations.

Q: Has Daniel Ricciardo driven for AlphaTauri before?

A: Yes, Daniel Ricciardo previously drove for AlphaTauri when it was known as Toro Rosso in 2012 and 2013 before being promoted to Red Bull’s main team.

Q: What is the purpose of Daniel Ricciardo joining AlphaTauri?

A: Daniel Ricciardo’s stint with AlphaTauri serves as an opportunity for him to showcase his abilities and potentially challenge Sergio Perez for a seat alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team.

Q: How has AlphaTauri performed in the 2023 season so far?

A: AlphaTauri has underperformed in the 2023 season, currently sitting at the bottom of the constructors’ championship with only two points after 10 races.

Q: What is the significance of Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the Red Bull family?

A: Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the Red Bull family as a third driver shows his continued affiliation with the team and his potential for future opportunities within Red Bull Racing.

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