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Verstappen Welcomes Ricciardo Return, Reflects on F1’s Harsh Realities for De Vries

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has openly expressed his enthusiasm for a potential reunion with former teammate Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull. Following Ricciardo’s surprising return to the sport with AlphaTauri, Verstappen shared his thoughts during the FIA press conference at the Hungaroring, reflecting on their past partnership and the competitive landscape of Formula 1.

A Blast from the Past: Verstappen and Ricciardo’s Red Bull Years

The dynamic duo of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo captivated F1 fans during their tenure together at Red Bull Racing. Ricciardo, a charismatic and highly skilled driver, was Verstappen’s teammate from the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen made a sensational debut win, until the end of the 2018 season. Their partnership, though sometimes competitive on track, was marked by a strong camaraderie and mutual respect off it. Verstappen fondly recalled these times, admitting, “I never actually wanted him to leave.” Their easy rapport and complementary driving styles often provided Red Bull with a formidable pairing, making their separation in 2018 a significant moment for the team and for fans.

Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull was driven by a desire for a new challenge and a change of scenery, leading him to Renault and subsequently McLaren. However, his journey after Red Bull proved challenging, culminating in his departure from McLaren at the end of the last season. His subsequent return to the Red Bull family in a third driver and reserve role signaled a potential path back to the grid, a path he has now successfully embarked upon with AlphaTauri.

Ricciardo’s Path Back to the Grid and Red Bull Aspirations

This weekend marks Daniel Ricciardo’s much-anticipated return to racing with Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri. His comeback was largely cemented by a highly successful Pirelli tyre test in Red Bull’s dominant RB19 car at Silverstone just nine days prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix. Verstappen confirmed their ongoing communication, stating, “I spoke already quite a bit with Daniel last week. I could see he was very excited after driving our car. So of course it’s great to have Daniel back on the grid, within the family.”

Ricciardo himself has made no secret of his long-term ambitions, expressing his hope that this move to AlphaTauri could eventually lead to an opportunity to return to the senior Red Bull team. While both Verstappen and his current teammate Sergio Perez are contracted to Red Bull until the end of the next season, the fluid nature of Formula 1 driver markets means that future possibilities remain open. Verstappen’s welcoming stance underscores the strong bond he shares with Ricciardo, adding an intriguing layer to Red Bull’s future driver considerations. “If Daniel does well where he is now, then of course you have the opportunity to go back up, right? So it’s all open to be honest,” Verstappen mused, highlighting the meritocratic system within the Red Bull hierarchy.

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The Bittersweet Departure of Nyck de Vries

While expressing joy over Ricciardo’s return, Verstappen also conveyed his disappointment regarding the circumstances surrounding it – specifically, the premature departure of Nyck de Vries from AlphaTauri. Verstappen had played a supportive role in de Vries’ initial journey to Formula 1, having encouraged his fellow Dutch racer to pursue an opportunity at Red Bull’s junior team after de Vries’ impressive performance at Monza in 2022. “Of course, on the other side, I’m also good friends with Nyck so it’s also sad to see him go,” Verstappen remarked, revealing the personal connection.

De Vries, a highly accomplished driver with championships in Formula E and Formula 2, found the transition to Formula 1 challenging. Despite his pedigree, he struggled to adapt to the AlphaTauri AT04 and failed to score points in his ten starts. Verstappen acknowledged the harsh realities of motorsport, stating, “But unfortunately, that’s also how this world works. I don’t think there are any hard feelings between the drivers, that’s just how it goes. But you have to move on.” This sentiment reflects the cutthroat nature of F1, where results and immediate performance often dictate a driver’s tenure, regardless of their past achievements.

Yuki Tsunoda, de Vries’ former teammate at AlphaTauri, expressed some surprise that Red Bull did not wait until the summer break, which was only two races away, to make the change. However, Verstappen offered a pragmatic perspective. He argued that if the decision had already been made regarding de Vries’ future, delaying the inevitable would serve no real purpose. “It’s a tough one but if the decision was anyway already made, then I don’t think it really matters a lot when it happens,” Verstappen asserted, underscoring Red Bull’s decisive approach to driver management.

The Steep Learning Curve of Modern F1 Cars for Rookies

Verstappen further elaborated on the immense challenges facing new drivers in the current era of Formula 1. The cars introduced under the 2022 technical regulations are inherently complex and demanding, making the learning curve incredibly steep for rookies. “This new generation of cars, when you’re a rookie, it doesn’t matter what age you are or whatever, they are quite difficult, I think, to get on top of,” he explained. This difficulty is compounded when a driver is placed in a car that is not inherently competitive, such as the AlphaTauri AT04, which has struggled for pace throughout the season.

“Plus that car probably is not the most competitive, that only made it a bit harder,” Verstappen added, highlighting the dual disadvantage de Vries faced. While Tsunoda managed to secure two points in the same machinery, de Vries’ inability to do so proved to be a critical factor in Red Bull’s decision to evaluate Ricciardo. The pressure on drivers in a junior team like AlphaTauri is immense, as they are expected to not only perform well but also to demonstrate potential for future promotion to the senior team. The lack of “shining moments” – those standout performances or unexpected points finishes that can make a significant impression – ultimately worked against de Vries.

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Beyond F1: A World of Opportunities for De Vries

Despite the abrupt end to his Formula 1 dream, Max Verstappen remains optimistic about Nyck de Vries’ future, emphasizing that F1 is not the sole pinnacle of motorsport. De Vries’ impressive CV, which includes a Formula E World Championship and a Formula 2 title, speaks volumes about his inherent talent and adaptability. Verstappen believes these qualities will ensure de Vries finds success elsewhere.

“People sometimes seem to think if it doesn’t work out in F1, everything is lost. But it’s not. There’s so many great categories out there where you can have a great career and probably even more fun than some places in Formula 1 even,” Verstappen reflected. This perspective is a valuable reminder that motorsport is a vast ecosystem, offering diverse and rewarding opportunities beyond the F1 paddock. Categories like the World Endurance Championship (WEC), IndyCar, DTM, and even his former stomping ground, Formula E, present fertile ground for a driver of de Vries’ caliber.

Verstappen confirmed his recent conversation with de Vries, underscoring their continued friendship and support. “I know that he has a lot of opportunities. I spoke to him last week, we saw each other, and he will definitely find his feet again with a great team somewhere in a great championship. So I don’t think it actually is the end of the world because like I said, in endurance as well, there’s so many great races that you can be part of,” he concluded. This provides a hopeful outlook for de Vries, who undoubtedly possesses the skill and determination to excel in another top-tier motorsport series. His journey serves as a poignant illustration of the high stakes and rapid decisions that define careers at the pinnacle of racing, while also highlighting the resilience required to navigate its challenges.

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2023 Hungarian Grand Prix Insights

• Was F1’s Alternative Tyre Allocation test successful? Drivers and teams have their say
• How far can McLaren climb with car rivals now say is the second-fastest in F1?
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