Daniel Ricciardo replaces Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri, effective immediately

Daniel Ricciardo returns to F1 with AlphaTauri

Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian Formula 1 veteran, will make a surprise in-season return with AlphaTauri starting from next week's Hungarian Grand Prix. This move follows the unexpected departure of Nyck de Vries, after a disheartening initial 10 grands prix with the team.

AlphaTauri has officially acknowledged de Vries' exit and the subsequent Ricciardo appointment. According to the team's statement, Ricciardo, currently serving as Red Bull's third driver, will fill in for the Dutchman for the rest of the 2023 season.

AlphaTauri has officially acknowledged de Vries' exit and the subsequent Ricciardo appointment.

According to the team's statement, Ricciardo, currently serving as Red Bull's third driver, will fill in for the Dutchman for the rest of the 2023 season.

Franz Tost welcomes Ricciardo’s return

Franz Tost, the team boss, expressed satisfaction with Ricciardo's return.

Praising the Australian's driving skills and familiarity with the team, Tost is confident about Ricciardo's swift integration.

The eight-time grand prix winner's experience is expected to significantly benefit the team.

Tost also thanked de Vries for his contribution and wished him success in the future.

Ricciardo's sabbatical and comeback

Ricciardo returned to the Red Bull fold as a reserve driver after departing from McLaren at the end of 2022, a year ahead of contract expiration.

Despite taking a sabbatical to recuperate, Ricciardo has maintained his race readiness, completing his first test with the current Red Bull RB19 recently.

This return presents an opportunity for Ricciardo to demonstrate to Red Bull his ability to bounce back after his 2022 departure, possibly challenging Sergio Perez for the Red Bull spot alongside Max Verstappen.

A tough season for de Vries

For de Vries, this season has been particularly challenging. Struggling for pace compared to team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, de Vries failed to register points in 2023.

The team's underperforming AT04 added to the issues, leaving AlphaTauri at the bottom of the constructors' championship after ten races.

Red Bull's dwindling patience with the former F2 and FE champion resulted in this swift replacement.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner commended Ricciardo’s competitive testing times, expressing excitement about Ricciardo's potential impact at AlphaTauri for the rest of the season.

Sebastian Vettel was also in Silverstone congratulating Daniel Ricciardo.

Social Media Reactions

Toto Wolff and Nyck de Vries today in Monaco.#F1 [📷 TeamLH44JAPAN] pic.twitter.com/rvA7MSuW1G

— F1News.live (@f1newslive_) July 12, 2023

If it means anything, Pirelli testing harder compound tyres that don’t need blankets this week, and today Ricciardo’s best time was a 1:27.415 in the Red Bull. 0.7s off Verstappen’s pole time (on different tyres and in different conditions of course) #F1

— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) July 11, 2023

OH MY GOD ITS THEM 😭🥰🥹 pic.twitter.com/Irtn3eO0Sn

— J - no longer has to miss Daniel! (@dumbassf1fan) July 11, 2023

we do car hire, Nyck pic.twitter.com/izEiMt1oUi

— Ryanair (@Ryanair) July 11, 2023

Sources say Ricciardo was impressive in today's Pirelli tyre test with Red Bull, his first drive in 2023 machinery, and that his best lap would have been good enough for the front row of the grid in Sunday's British Grand Prix.🤯#F1 https://t.co/Gfp6qbbtAb

— Lawrence Barretto (@lawrobarretto) July 11, 2023