In a surprising turn of events, Daniel Ricciardo will make his return to the Formula 1 grid with AlphaTauri after replacing Nyck de Vries with immediate effect. The Australian driver, who had been serving as the third driver for Red Bull, has been loaned out to Red Bull’s junior team for the remainder of his one-year contract. The decision comes after Ricciardo made a positive impression during a recent test with Red Bull, showcasing his talent and speed. Meanwhile, De Vries, the former Mercedes reserve driver, is dropped after a challenging start to his rookie season.

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost expressed his delight at welcoming Ricciardo back into the fold. Tost highlighted Ricciardo’s driving skills, vast experience, and his status as an eight-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner. The team hopes to benefit from Ricciardo’s expertise and seamless integration into the team.

Ricciardo Returns to Formula 1 with AlphaTauri after an impressive test

The move to send Ricciardo to AlphaTauri was influenced by his impressive performance during a recent tyre test at Silverstone. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged Ricciardo’s competitive times during the test and praised his skill and progress. The decision to loan Ricciardo to AlphaTauri will allow him to showcase his capabilities on track and contribute to the team’s success.

De Vries Dropped by AlphaTauri

For Nyck de Vries, the news of his departure from AlphaTauri marks the end of a challenging rookie season in Formula 1. The former Mercedes reserve driver had high hopes when he joined the team but struggled to make an impact. De Vries’ lackluster performances, including a failure to score points and being outperformed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda, led to his replacement.

Despite De Vries’ promising outing at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, where he secured a points finish while substituting for Williams, his performances in the current season fell short of expectations. The decision to replace him was made after careful consideration of his results and overall performance. AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost thanked De Vries for his contribution to the team and wished him well for the future.

Ricciardo’s return to AlphaTauri, the team where he began his Formula 1 career as Toro Rosso, highlights the rollercoaster journey of his recent years. After his successful stint with Red Bull, Ricciardo struggled to find the same level of success with Renault and McLaren. Now, he has the opportunity to revitalize his career and prove his worth once again.

The move raises questions about the future of Sergio Pérez at Red Bull, as Ricciardo’s impressive performance could position him as a potential replacement. Pérez has been struggling to match teammate Max Verstappen’s pace, leading to speculation about his position within the team. Ricciardo’s loan to AlphaTauri puts him back in the spotlight and offers a chance for him to demonstrate his readiness to return to a top-tier team.

The Formula 1 community eagerly awaits Ricciardo’s return to the grid, which is set to take place at the Hungarian Grand Prix. With only a few races remaining before the summer break, Ricciardo will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. As the Australian driver rejoins the Red Bull family, expectations are high, and fans are eager to witness his performance in the upcoming races.