Ricciardo-AlphaTauri: simple rumor or real threat for De Vries?

It's a rumor that has gained momentum in recent hours, in the wake of another disappointing Grand Prix for Nyck de Vries in Miami (USA). According to several media, Daniel Ricciardo – reserve pilot at Red Bull – would have recently had his seat molded in the premises ofAlpha Tauri in Faenza (Italy), fueling rumors of a possible replacement for the Dutch rookie at AlphaTauri during the season.

Still according to various media, an ultimatum was even issued to De Vries by Red Bull special advisor Helmut Marko for the next three Grands Prix (Imola, Monaco, Barcelona). The Austrian leader would not be satisfied with the performance of his new recruit. It must be said that the 28-year-old Dutch driver had a delicate start to the 2023 campaign, between lack of rhythm compared to Yuki tsunoda, clashes, and accidents.

Knowing the legendary patience of the good Dr. Marko, and the history of the Red Bull clan when it comes to replacing drivers unceremoniously (Daniil Kvyat in 2016, Pierre Gasly in 2019 can attest to this), it hardly took more to put De Vries under pressure, including from little comrades who rarely wish you well in this bowl of piranhas that is the F1...

However, according to ESPN and our excellent colleague Nate Saunders who knows Ricciardo well, the Australian would not be in the running to replace De Vries at AlphaTauri during the season. The American media indicates that the Red Bull family is not currently considering a change in its Formula 1 crews, according to several sources close to the driver from Perth (Australia).

The molding of the seat with AlphaTauri, carried out before the Miami Grand Prix, would have been carried out in the greatest secrecy in order to avoid any speculation about the Italian team (it was successful!). ESPN also indicates that Ricciardo would not have visited Faenza, which he knows from having driven for Toro Rosso in 2012 and 2013.

No ultimatum for De Vries

For its part, AUTOhebdo has heard echoes which go in the same direction, namely that De Vries would not have received an ultimatum from the Austrian house. His entourage refuses to comment but the Dutchman's seat is not in danger at the moment. Contacted by us, the AlphaTauri team had not yet responded to our request at the time of publishing these lines.

Given the house policy, it is hard to imagine Red Bull replacing De Vries with a veteran like Ricciardo. If the Dutchman fails to reverse the trend, the threat will surely come more from Japan where Liam Lawson, 21, is shining in Super Formula.

Remember that De Vries is not a pure Red Bull product and that he took an AlphaTauri seat following the departure of Pierre Gasly for Alpine. Its trajectory somewhat resembles that of Brendon Hartley in 2018 (even if the New Zealander who shines at Toyota en WEC since had been a Red Bull protégé in his youth): a late debut in F1, and rumors of a replacement very early in the season. Hartley was able to complete the 2018 campaign, before being replaced by the returning Daniil Kvyat.

Ricciardo, looking for a seat in Formula 1 after the end of his adventure with McLaren in 2022, expected to make his first run with a 1 F2023 at Silverstone, aboard the Red Bull RB19 for a Pirelli test. The 33-year-old Australian proclaims his desire to return to Formula 1, but with a top team. Here too, this doesn't really fit with AlphaTauri's profile.

Dorian Grangier contributed to this article.

ALSO READ > Boring, the 2023 F1 season? “Every race cannot be a blockbuster”