As the Formula 1 season progresses, speculation has been rife regarding Daniel Ricciardo’s potential return to the grid. With a crucial test at Silverstone underway, many Red Bull decision makers have hinted at this event as the first step towards his comeback. However, recent reports suggest that the decision has already been made.
According to F1-Insider and the Dutch outlet The Telegraph, sources claim that Ricciardo will replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri following the summer break. These rumors have been circulating for weeks, especially after Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko gave De Vries a “yellow card” due to a string of lackluster performances earlier in the year.
Dr. Marko does not always see eye-to-eye with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner regarding driver signings, and De Vries is a recent example. Marko admitted in a podcast interview that Horner was not a fan of De Vries, indicating a divide in opinions between the two top figures within the team. Marko’s support for bringing De Vries into AlphaTauri appears to have waned, reflecting further uncertainty regarding the driver’s future.
Former driver and current Sky Sports analyst Ralf Schumacher also expressed his belief that the decision has been made. Although not confirmed, Schumacher suggests that the move will benefit both Ricciardo and AlphaTauri, who have struggled on the road. While nothing is set in stone, Schumacher acknowledges that Ricciardo’s experience would potentially bring improvements to the team.
Initially, it seemed that Red Bull and AlphaTauri would turn to their younger drivers to replace De Vries, specifically Liam Lawson and Ayumu Iwasa. However, recent developments lead us to believe that Ricciardo may get the opportunity on a trial basis to determine his status for the future.
Furthermore, Tsunoda’s performance alongside De Vries may play a significant role in this decision. Tsunoda has consistently outperformed De Vries in qualifying, indicating potential growth and development as a rookie driver. Comparing Tsunoda’s performance with a seasoned driver like Ricciardo could provide crucial insights into the Japanese driver’s potential and pave the way for his future at Red Bull.
Another aspect to consider is Sergio Pérez’s struggling performance this season. Despite his second-place standing in the Drivers’ Championship, Pérez has been unable to reach Q3 since May. This lackluster qualifying performance raises questions about his suitability for Red Bull. Speculation suggests that Ricciardo’s potential return could be a means to apply pressure on Pérez to improve or to explore alternative options for the team in 2024.
As tensions rise and uncertainties linger, Daniel Ricciardo’s involvement in the Red Bull team remains a topic of intense discussion. With the Silverstone test session underway, all eyes are on the outcome of this crucial event. Whether Ricciardo will replace De Vries at AlphaTauri or potentially be considered for Red Bull in the future, the Formula 1 community eagerly awaits the final verdict.
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