Daniel Ricciardo, a popular Formula One face due to the Netflix Show Drive To Survive, accepted a demotion to become a third driver of Red Bull this year. Before Red Bull ace Max Verstappen burst onto the scene, the Aussie was Christian Horner’s favorite driver. However, he gradually became a second driver in Red Bull due to the uprise of the Dutchman. After facing some clashes, he decided to leave Red Bull and join Renault.
It has been a while since Ricciardo was part of Red Bull. But since last year, the internal rivalry between Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen was getting more and more intense, which introduced the Aussie back in the Bull’s paddock. The problems led Horner to bring in a friendly and familiar face to the team who could possibly become a replacement for Checo. Thus, Daniel Ricciardo returned to the Austrian team as their third driver. But till now, he was not getting any opportunity to drive in Grand Prix races. The fans were flooding social media asking when will they see the Aussie back in an F1 car driving in a Grand Prix. But looks like their wish is finally getting fulfilled.
Daniel Ricciardo Will Race Again, But This Time For Alpha Tauri
Initially, while signing him, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner mentioned that Daniel Ricciardo might get a chance later in the season. However, after Perez started the season winning a couple of Grand Prix races, that chance for the Aussie to return seemed less. Daniel did not have a great return to Red Bull from McLaren. Hence, it was time to move to another team to get back in the cockpit for him. But Red Bull did not want to let him go all over again. Hence, the team has finally decided to replace Nyck De Vries with Danny in Alpha Tauri, a sister team of Red Bull. Hence, Ricciardo will move to Alpha Tauri. It might be great news for the sister team of Red Bull Racing.
But not so much for the Aussie, as the team is currently among the worst constructors performance-wise. But the former reserve driver of Red Bull will finally get his chance to get back on the grid with Alpha Tauri. He will race in Hungary next week with Alpha Tauri and the rest of the season. The last time he raced was with McLaren when he finished 12th in 2022. Even though the 34-year-old Aussie did not have a great stint with McLaren either, he won the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. In 44 races with McLaren, that was the only podium finish for Daniel Ricciardo.
Nyck De Vries Loses His Seat In Alpha Tauri
For De Vries, the 2023 season lasted for only ten races which was also his rookie season. On the other hand, Nyck De Vries replaced Pierre Gasly, who moved to Alpine. But his season did not last long enough with Alpha Tauri. Nyck De Vries had a successful time back in Formula E days in 2020 and 2021.
But the best he could do for Alpha Tauri in these ten races was finish at P12 in the Monaco Grand Prix. However, for Nyck De Vries, his career is not yet over. He is only 28 years old. But De Vries might have to wait for an opportunity to become a reserve driver for another team in his foreseeable future.