So apparently Ralph Schumacher let out that he knows for certain that Danny is replacing Nyck after the summer break. I found it in a Dutch article, so a url is not much use I think.
Obviously, this is still very much rumours at this point, but I wanted to post about it anyways.
I know Nyck is underperforming massively, and have no illusion that he will be driving next year. But replacing a driver mid-season is always a bit harsh. Especially when his home-race is the next one on the calendar…
Here’s an article in german: https://f1-insider.com/formel-1-ricciardo-de-vries-ersatz-57875/
Translation:
Max Verstappen’s buddy Nyck de Vries can’t get up to speed. His F1 days could already be numbered during the summer break.
He was considered the discovery of last season: Nyck de Vries came to AlphaTauri with much praise after finishing ninth in his spontaneous stint as Alexander Albon’s Williams replacement in Monza in 2022. As a friend of world champion Max Verstappen, the Dutch Formula E world champion outperformed Liam Lawson and also Mick Schumacher, among others.
But the Dutchman has so far failed to live up to the high expectations. Twelfth place in Monaco is his best result to date. Most recently, at Silverstone, he was only 17th again. One thing is certain: De Vries is coming under increasing pressure at AlphaTauri.
One indication: On Tuesday, Red Bull’s replacement driver Daniel Ricciardo - long considered a possible successor to Nyck de Vries - will complete tire tests. “And then we’ll see,” comments Helmut Marko on Sky. Asked about a possible comeback for the former Red Bull star, the Red Bull motorsport consultant just grins: “We’ll look at the tire tests and then we can talk.”
What Marko doesn’t want to openly admit is that behind the scenes, planning is said to be much further along. F1-Insider.com learned: Ricciardo is to replace De Vries after the summer break. In the second half of the season, the focus will then be on comparing Red Bull junior Yuki Tsunoda with Ricciardo, the former Vettel conqueror.
Sky pundit Ralf Schumacher also believes: “The decision has been made, I’m pretty sure of that.” The former GP winner continues: "He (de Vries; ed.) had his highlight last year in Monza and was in the right place at the right time. It’s a shame for him that he probably won’t be able to drive Zandvoort - I’d guess - but also good for Daniel Ricciardo and for the team.AlphaTauri is really bad on the road and could use some experience."Statements made by Helmut Marko to F1 Insider already on the sidelines of the Austrian GP fit in with this.That’s when the man from Graz reacted happily to Ricciardo’s positive development.“We didn’t recognize him when he came back to us from McLaren,” Marko said."But we have nurtured him back and in the simulator he is now doing a good job."Indirectly, De Vries’ retirement could also have consequences for Sergio Perez.Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull keeps falling far behind in the duel with the double world champion, even missing out on the second qualifying section at Silverstone.
“His place is not in danger,” Marko repeats prayerfully again after the Mexican’s drive from 15th to sixth place in England. But at the same time he stresses, “A replacement does not impose itself.”
It’s quite possible that he will see things differently at the end of the year…
Hero <3