It is a known fact that the Red Bull Racing think-tank can be highly unpredictable while making momentous decisions. True to their characteristics, the leading Formula 1 outfit has made yet another shocking call amidst countless theories surrounding Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo.
Over the past few weeks, several reports had been claiming that Ricciardo might after all replace the Dutch rookie at AlphaTauri. However, the ‘when’ aspect remained blurry, thanks to varying inferences. While some reckoned the swap might unfold after the summer break in August, a majority of the reports had their dibs on the next season altogether.
🚨 | BREAKING: Daniel Ricciardo will reportedly replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri effective immediately, and take the wheel next week in Hungary.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) July 11, 2023
But, in what is one of the biggest twists of this season, Red Bull has reportedly advanced the imminent swap to the forthcoming race weekend in Hungary.
Amidst an impending official announcement, Ricciardo will be making a sensational return to Formula 1 in a week’s time, replacing Formula-E world champion de Vries at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Subsequently, Ricciardo’s chances of joining Red Bull Racing in 2024 remain alive, but, of course, depends heavily on his performance at the Italy-based outfit.
F1 Twitter divided as Daniel Ricciardo makes shocking AlphaTauri switch
Indeed, Ricciardo embraces a massive fan following on and off the track. However, by the looks of it, not all fans are seemingly pleased with Red Bull’s decision to replace de Vries with the Australian. Several Twitter users insisted that F1 teams must move on from their former drivers, considering abundant younger options in the driver’s market. One fan wrote, “I’ve never seen a man with more luck than this guy.”
I’ve never seen a man with more luck than this guy.
— Menace (@makulu_baas) July 11, 2023
These are getting out of hand at this point
— Rak ☆ star (@MonkeyD_Zoldyke) July 11, 2023
They need to let rookies test F1 cars like they did in the old days. Or we’d be stuck with F1 teams recycling the same set of drivers
— St.Anger Snare Drum (@sBinnalla64) July 11, 2023
What ? We dont wanna see this
— 𝒦🇬🇹 (@Badroninho) July 11, 2023
RICCIARDO GETTING HIS LAS VEGAS GP AFTER ALL
— Jacobine (@jacobinevdb) July 11, 2023
Biggest upgrade of All time
— Logan 🏴 (@TheMakhachevEra) July 11, 2023
As for Ricciardo, the fan-favorite Aussie had one big desire for the 2023 F1 season. He was visibly distraught after hearing that he wouldn’t be part of the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix. Now, it looks like Ricciardo will be racing along the street of Vegas after all.
Furthermore, the former Red Bull driver supposedly enjoyed an impressive test outing at Silverstone on Tuesday. Hence, this may have played a hefty role in Red Bull’s decision to swap de Vries with the 34-year-old.
Overall, the only big question that remains is, how much success can Ricciardo possibly bring to the sister Red Bull team? AlphaTauri has been nothing short of miserable and even scoring points is evidently a mountainous task for their drivers. Hence, with the decade-long experience, can Ricciardo pull off a miracle and defeat the high-flying Yuki Tsunoda? Only time will tell.