Just days after the Miami GP, rumors emerged that Daniel Ricciardo was flown into AlphaTauri’s Faenza base for a potential seat fitting. Many believed that the Aussie could replace Nyck De Vries, who has endured a dismal start to the 2023 season.
In the first 5 races of the season, the Dutchman has not scored a single point. This led many to believe, that he could face a potential exit from AlphaTauri and possibly before the halfway mark of the campaign.
However, the rumors have been quashed as the real reason behind Ricciardo’s European visit emerged. This does not relieve pressure from De Vries, whose F1 future hangs in the balance.
Daniel Ricciardo ruled out of AlphaTauri seat
Daniel Ricciardo did not attend the 2023 Miami GP. Rumors suggested the Australian racer was in Italy, meeting top executives at AlphaTauri’s base in Faenza. However, sources have confirmed ESPN that this is not true.
Ricciardo had indeed traveled to Europe right after the 2023 Miami GP, but to attend the wedding of his close friend, Australian Olympic snowboarder Scotty James. James is marrying Chloe Stroll, who is the daughter of Aston Martin’s owner Lawrence Stroll and sister of F1 driver Lance Stroll.
Although Ricciardo is keen on returning to F1 and remains Red Bull’s reserve driver, this does not put him in the line of succession for De Vries’s seat. The Aussie is required to do marketing runs and simulator sessions. He could replace Sergio Perez or Max Verstappen if either of the two is unable to race, but this does not guarantee him a position within Red Bull’s sister team.
It is unlikely that the Aussie would be called up for the AlphaTauri role. However, this does not leave De Vries with a safe future as his replacement remains on standby.
Who will replace Nyck De Vries?
21-year-old Red Bull academy driver Liam Lawson will mostly likely be AlphaTauri’s replacement for Nyck De Vries. The Kiwi is younger and will suit Red Bull’s sister teams’ requirements better than Daniel Ricciardo.
De Vries, along with rookie Logan Sargeant, are the only two drivers who are yet to score points this season. The Dutchman has lacked performance and has never made it to Q3 this season. He has also made many errors which have cost the team a crucial position in the championship.
While De Vries has struggled, his teammate Yuki Tsunoda has produced consistent results and all of the team’s points. This has left the top brass at AlphaTauri frustrated and impatient with the 28-year-old racer.
Reports suggest that the Dutchman has received an ultimatum from Helmut Marko to improve performances until the 2023 Spanish GP. If the driver fails to produce results, Lawson would replace him.
The 21-year-old currently races in Japan’s Super Formula series where he secured a win in his first-ever race. Lawson finished the 2022 F2 championship in 3rd place achieving 4 race wins in the season.
