Daniel Ricciardo to Replace Nyck De Vries at Alpha Tauri for the Remainder of the 2023 Season

Danila Ricciardo will replace Nyck De Vries at Alpha Tauri effectively immediately. The move isn’t surprising considering De Vries has yet to make an impact in Formula 1. Ricciardo is a talented driver who is already part of the Red Bull camp. He’s patiently been waiting for an opportunity to get back on grid. Ricciardo will race in the Hungarian Grand Prix. “I am stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family!” Ricciardo stated to F1.com.

After 10 races De Vries has not scored points. Alpha Tauri is at the bottom of the constructors championship standings; a foreign position for recent times. His exit was all but guaranteed but the when has now happened. Ricciardo participated in a tire testing event for Red Bull and they loved what they saw in the session and made the move official. Team Principal Christian Horner stated, “It is great to see Daniel hasn’t lost any form while away from racing and that the strides he has been making in his sim sessions translate on track. His times during the tire test were extremely competitive. It was a very impressive drive, and we are excited to see what the rest of the season brings for Daniel on loan at Scuderia AlphaTauri.”

The news comes after it was announced that Alpha Tauri will be rebranded in 2024. The move makes sense from a business and competition stand point.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) continues to dominate the field with yet another win in Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. Verstappen and Lando Norris had an early exchange for lead position but ultimately the pace of the Red Bull proved to be too much. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) finished P3 in a hard fought podium. Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez (Red Bull) who didn’t make it to Q3 had am impressive drive to finish P8 in an effort that helped him salvaged a points finish. His championship race seems to be dwindling every round with Verstappen in perfect form the last 6 races. Perez is still holding second place int he championship standings but Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) is within 19 points of challenging the second spot.

Verstappen Spoke to the F1 Media

Verstappen stated the following to F1.com, “Of course, very happy that we won again. I mean, 11 wins in a row for the team, I think that’s pretty incredible, but it wasn’t straightforward today. I was doing a bit of drifting on Thursday with marketing, and it felt like I was doing that also in the start, which wasn’t very good – it was very bad. We’ll look into that, because I think the last few starts were actually a lot better, and today wasn’t that great.”

“But at least it made it a bit more exciting, I had to push for it. Lando Norris didn’t really put up a fight, he was very nice to me, but then he actually came back again in the DRS, so he had a lot of pace today – he did very well today.”

In surprising fashion both McLarens finished in the top 5 with Oscar Piastri (McLaren) securing his best finish of the season in P4. Piastri was in third for the majority of the race but lost out on a late pit stop under a safety car and wasn’t able to regain P3 before the checkered flag flew. With the finish Verstappen extends his championship lead to 99 points ahead of Sergio Perez. The double top 5 finish for McLaren secured 30 points for the McLaren side. Mercedes currently sits in second place with 203 points ahead of Aston Martin with 181 points.

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In a mixed weather condition qualifying session Max Verstappen secured pole position ahead of Lando Norris (Mclaren) and surpised P3 finished Oscar Piastri (Mclaren). The qualifying finish is the best Mclaren has achieved all season. Verstappen’s pole position did not come without challenges. Verstappen had an incident in the pit lane that saw his front wing damaged which required repair. This didn’t stop the dutchman. Verstappen’s teammate on the other hand once again had issues in qualifying. Sergio perez has now failed to reach Q3 in 5 straight races which marks his biggest drought since joining the Red Bull Racing camp. Perez will have an uphill battle if her wants to compete for points.

Verstappen Spoke with F1.com

Verstappen had the following words for F1.com, “It’s been quite a crazy qualifying, it’s been quite hectic, also quite slippery in some places. We did our laps and then, in Q3, I was quite surprised to see [Norris and Piastri] there, but it’s great for McLaren as well to be here. From our side, very happy, of course, to be on pole!”

“Especially Q1 and Q2, there were still a few damp spots, so you had to be a little bit careful. Of course, you push close to the limit, but knowing that we have a quick car, you don’t need to go to the 100% limit. I think that’s why in Q3 when you really just go for it, that’s where we then eked out the gap a little bit, but still, it was not a very big gap to them. For us, it’s a great day, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow already.”

Rounding out the top 5 were Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) at P4 and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari). The Ferrari out paced the Mercedes who finished behind in P6 and P7. Alex Albon put his Williams car in the top 10 with a qualifying result that was celebrated after the long drought the team has faced since they were regular podium contenders.

Full Qualifying Results are Below

Check out the F1 RACE HUB to find out how you can catch the action from Silverstone.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) wins the Austrian Grand Prix on a perfect weekend. Verstappen secured pole position for the sprint race and main grand prix and won both from the front. This win marks 5 wins in a row for the defending champion. Verstappen had the following words with F1.com after the race,“I think the most important [thing] for me was Lap 1, to stay in front. After that we could do our own race.”

“Of course we opted not to box during the Virtual Safety Car, and just follow our normal strategy, and I think that worked out really well. The tire [degradation] was not that high around here and our stints were perfect, so a great day – I enjoyed it a lot!”

He Continued Discussing the Events Under the Virtual Safety Car

“I could see already the few laps before the Virtual Safety Car came out, we were pulling out quite a gap, so I knew I would get them back eventually. I think just following our own plan at the time was the best way forward.”

The FIA stewards appeared to be very strict on track limits this year with multiple drivers receiving penalties from breaching track limits. The penalties prompted all of the teams to adjust starting strategies. There was only one retired from the race when Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) had a mechanical issue that saw his car grid to a halt on lap 14 of the race. We suspect a gearbox failure.

Charles Leclerc has finally returned to the podium after a number of mechanical failures and unlucky track incidents have robbed him of competing for the championship this year. The Ferraris have fallen backwards in terms of performance compared to Red Bull in 2023. However, a podium at the Austrian Grand Prix is never a negative thing. Ferrari will look to build off of this momentum.

Full Austrian Grand Prix Results are Below

After what seemingly was a disappointing qualifying for Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing). The Mexican came back in true form to earn a P2 finish. After an early challenge with Max Verstappen in variable weather conditions Perez fell back. Verstappen ended up winning the race by 21 seconds. Perez qualified P2 in the sprint shootout which was a vast improvement from his P15 finish in qualifying for the main race.

Perez beat Verstappen off of the line but Verstappen showed his resilience and was able to rebound. Some drivers switched to slicks as the track dried but it appears that staying on intermediates was the dominant strategy. The sprint race was 24 laps. Any ground that would have been made up by the slick tire advantage did not come to fruition in time. For the Perez the finish is welcomed after not making it into Q3 yet again for the Grand Prix. Perez will have an uphill battle in tomorrows race.

After the race Verstappen said to the Formula 1 media, “The start was not ideal, a bit of wheelspin, but after that, after Lap 1, once we got back in the lead, it was good,” said Verstappen. “We were just managing the tyres, knowing that if it wasn’t going to rain anymore, then you know 24 laps on an intermediate is quite a lot, but they were hanging in there.”

“I think of course the last five laps the slicks were quite a bit faster, but I think for us, so far in the lead, it didn’t make sense to pit. We just hung in there with the inters which worked well.”

Elsewhere on the Grid

The Aston Martins of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso shows great pace securing a double points finish for the side. Aston Martin and Red Bull were the only teams to secure double points finishes in the sprint race. Ahead of the Astons in third was Carlos Sainz whom has been mostly quiet this season. Our assessment is that he has not been overly underperforming or overperforming. Sainz is in a rut where he isn’t really going anywhere. This sprint race podium could be the motivator he needs to get back into podium contention form.

Nico Hulkenberg who finished 6th secured the fastest lap in the sprint race

Austrian Grand Prix Race Results

Pos.	Driver	Team	Time
1	Max Verstappen	Red Bull	LAP 24
2	Sergio Perez	Red Bull	+21.048
3	Carlos Sainz	Ferrari	+23.088
4	Lance Stroll	Aston Martin	+29.703
5	Fernando Alonso	Aston Martin	+30.109
6	Nico Hulkenberg	Haas	+31.297
7	Esteban Ocon	Alpine	+36.602
8	George Russell	Mercedes	+36.611
9	Lando Norris	McLaren	+38.608
10	Lewis Hamilton	Mercedes	+46.375
11	Oscar Piastri	McLaren	+49.807
12	Charles Leclerc	Ferrari	+50.789
13	Alexander Albon	Williams	+52.848
14	Kevin Magnussen	Haas	+56.593
15	Pierre Gasly	Alpine	+57.652
16	Yuki Tsunoda	Alpha Tauri	+64.822
17	Nyck De Vries	Alpha Tauri	+65.617
18	Logan Sargeant	Williams	+66.059
19	Guanyu Zhou	Alfa Romeo	+70.825
20	Valtteri Bottas	Alfa Romeo	+76.435

Helmut Marko has confirmed that AlphaTauri as we know it will end and will be renamed in 2024. The move comes after Red Bull analyzed the downward turn in the team. AlphaTauri have struggled to find a rhythm in rising to an above middle pack team in the F1 championship. There have been glimpses of brilliance over the past few season with surprise podiums and stunning individual races but nothing with longevity. Red Bull has decided its time to step in and revamp their junior program.

The FIA regulations prohibit certain levels of information sharing between teams. Generally all teams should be acting independently in terms of development.

As reported by GPfans.com, Helmut Marko stated, “AlphaTauri will have two new leaders in 2024, Laurent Mekies and Peter Bayer. There will be new sponsors and a new name. The orientation is clear: follow Red Bull Racing as far as the regulations allow. Own designs are the wrong way to go. Basically, Yuki is having a very good season with unfortunate results and penalties, but the performance is right. With Nyck de Vries, however, we are not satisfied, we are looking at that as well.”

De Vries has had a very disappointing season thus far. He currently has no points and rarely has made it into Q2 during qualifying. There were high expectations from the former F2 world champion. Those expectations are note being met.

Max Verstappen Offer Words During Today’s Austrian Grand Prix Press Conference

As reported by F1.com, current drivers championship leader Max Verstappen (Red Bull) offered the following words on De Vries and his struggles. “I think we all know that this is motorsport in general. “You need to perform and do the best you can. It’s not forever anyway. You can’t force things as well, so it’s about how you work together with your team, gain more experience as well.”

“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what people above you say. It’s about how then you learn from your weekends and learn from your mistakes, like we all do. And just get on top of the car a little bit more, feel a little bit more comfortable, and definitely don’t force.”

“Just talk to your engineers, what can we do better, what can be worked on and at one point there is this point where things kind of click a little bit more. You can get these results, and if you have one good result maybe it leads to another one, and then you feel a bit more comfortable anyway.

“It’s a lot of things that have to come together at the end of the day. Don’t get too stressed about it, just work hard together with your people involved who can actually make a difference and influence your performance.”

Verstappen continued his Thoughts on De Vries

“But I don’t even need to tell Nyck, he has a lot of experience. But we will see again this weekend. And this is for everyone, it’s not only Nyck. It’s every single weekend, you have to work together with your engineers. But again, this year we have a very quick car, but if I were to sit back and relax and think that everything will come to me, the results at some point will stop coming and you cannot let that happen.”

In the same press conference in Austria Nyck De Vries was asked what he thought he needs to do to improve his results. De Vries stated, “There is no need to force anything. Whenever you are trying hard or trying to force something that is not kind of ready, then it won’t happen, then mistakes will happen. The key is to continue as we are, continue to focus on the job, remain patient. And I think the potential is there, so it is just a matter of time until things come together.

For more up to date F1 news check out F1.com.

During the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, FIA stewards spotted soccer superstar Neymar Jr. and other guests on the grass of the front straight during the formation lap at the start of the race. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the issue is not specific to F1, and has acknowledged the need for change due to safety concerns.

Statements from the FIA President

Sulayem stated, “We must take learnings from the incident at the Spanish Grand Prix. The FIA has been assured by Stefano Domenicali (CEO of Formula 1), that measures are being taken to ensure that there is no repeat of the incident. It is an issue not just in Formula 1 but also in Formula E and World Endurance Championship and other categories from my recent experiences with too many people on the grid at some events. I have no doubt that in all cases, the promoter will adhere to the FIA requirements on safety and security. It is the duty of the FIA to ensure a safe environment for all. Safety in motor sport is the Federation’s main priority.”

The issues with Neymar in Spain come after an earlier season mishap in Australia. The race stewards observed multiple fans, photographers and personnel at the end of the hot pit lane during an active race. As reported by Motorsport.com the World Motor Sport Council has stated, “protecting the health and well-being of everyone on the grid – guests, officials and teams – was the FIA’s priority.” There are rumors of an ongoing investigation by the WMSC as it awaits official reports from the event organizers in Australia and Spain. The goal appears to be corrective action rather than punitive punishment. There must be a balance between securing safety of the formula 1 drivers and staff and the invitation of celebrities for branding. We will report more as this story develops.

Max Verstappen secured his 6th win out of 8 races this season today at the Canadian Grand Prix. Verstappen has finished on the podium in every race this season providing him with a 69 championship point lead as we conclude coverages of Round 9 of 23 this year. The win also marked the 100th win for Red Bull and Verstappen ties Ayrton Senna’s total win record at 41 wins. The Red Bulls have be dominant this season as Red Bull Racing has won every race in 2023 between Verstappen and Sergio Perez. The team currently holds a 154 point lead over Mercedes in second place.

The fairytale continues for Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin). Alonso secured his 6th podium of the 2023 season this weekend drawing him closer to approaching the second place spot in the championship. Alonso is currently 9 points behind Sergio Perez due to Perez having less than stellar results the last three races. Perez was able to save one point by securing the fastest lap of the race as a consolation.

Improvement from Mercedes

Mercedes seems to have worked out some of the kinks with Lewis Hamilton’s car W14. As reported by PlanetF1.com after the race Hamilton stated, “Well, firstly, quite an honor to be up there with two World Champions. I was really excited to be third and just trying to be in that mix. But unfortunately, we didn’t have the pace today. We knew that this weekend, this wouldn’t be our strongest circuit as we struggle in the lower speed corners particularly, and that’s really where I was losing to Fernando and to Max – just on traction out of Turn 2, out of pretty much every corner.”

“But we’ve got a lot of work to do just to add rear downforce to the car, and a little bit more efficiency, but we’re chipping away as I said, and I do believe we will get there at some stage. Max was a little bit gone, but I think our paces were a little bit closer today so we’re going in the right direction. It’s honestly been a great weekend for us. I think we’re slowly chipping away, I think the Astons took a little bit of step ahead this weekend when they had the upgrades but we’re working on bringing some more moving forwards.”

No Luck for Russell and Sargeant

There were two drivers that didn’t finish the race. The first being Logan Sargeant who has not found a groove since making the jump to F1 and Mercedes driver George Russell who had to retire the car on lap 55 of the race. Sargeant was told that there was a critical error with his car and was told to retire. It was later revealed that the team spotted oil leaking from the car and without knowing the extent of damage they retired the car to live to fight another day.

Sargeant had the following words, “We had a really good start to the race with a car we could fight with. I had the AlphaTauri ahead under quite a bit of pressure and I felt quick. Unfortunately, I got the message to stop the car as soon as possible due to an issue which ended my race. I’ve learned a lot this weekend from using the full wet tires, driving in the wet, and driving on the inters on a drying track. Honestly in the dry, I feel like we’ve been pretty quick. It didn’t work out today, but we can be positive going to Austria.”

For more Formula 1 coverage be sure to check out F1.com.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) continues his dominance by securing yet another pole position in Canada. The Canadian Grand Prix Qualifying session took place in wet conditions which served as the great equalizer amongst drivers. The driver that benefitted the most from the weather was Nico Hulkenberg 9Haas). At the end of Q3 Hulkenberg had secured what seemingly was a typo on the session results. P2 in qualifying for a Haas car is not something an F1 fan sees everyday. Unfortunately for Nico Hulkenberg that triumph would be cut short quickly as the FIA stewards found him guilty of a speeding violation under a red flag. The finish is still a promising one. It is the highest Nico Hulkenberg has qualified all season. The full report can be view below:

One driver that can’t seem to shake the misfortune recently is Sergio Perez (Red Bull). Perez stated to the media, “Definitely not feeling great, not going through a great moment,” after qualifying P12 in Canada. The second place championship point sitter has not been in great form for the last two races and Red Bull was hoping that things might turn around in Canada during qualifying. That change did not come however. Perez will have to fight tooth and nail to move up into the podium places. The worst of the weather seems to have come and passed. More dry conditions are expected tomorrow.

After the session championship points leader Max Verstappen stated, “I do think the car improved to drive. It was super slippery out there, but we made all the right calls so, of course, I’m very happy to be on pole here. Maybe it’s dry tomorrow, but we have a good race car.” Full qualifying results after all penalties were applied are below.

F1 2023 Canadian Grand Prix Qualifying Results

Located in Montreal, Canada, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is the home to the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix. The circuit is a 2.71 mile course. The man-made Notre Dame Island in the middle of the St Lawrence River was created for the 1967 Expo 67 World’s Fair. Once the expo and the ensuing 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics had left town, the locals decided to make a race track out of the island’s roads. The Circuit Ile Notre-Dame(1978–1982), or Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve (Present) was born. The track features multiple stop go sections where heavy braking and high acceleration extremes creating multiple over take situations. There are 3 Drag reduction system zones at the circuit between turns 7 and 8, turns 11 and 13 and turns 13 and 2.

In 2022 the race saw heavy rain conditions which threw a curve ball in the plans for the weekend for many racers. Verstappen won the race last year Max Verstappen and enters the weekend at the top of the drivers’ championship with 170 points – 53 points ahead of teammate Sergio Perez.

2023 Canadian Grand Prix weekend weather forecast

Friday, June 16 – FP1 and FP2
Conditions: Expected to be a dry morning but expect an unsettled afternoon with rain highly likely to fall in FP2. FP1: 71.6°F // FP2: 68°F
Maximum temperature expected: 72 Fahrenheit
Minimum temperature expected: 57 Fahrenheit
Chance of rain: 60%

Saturday, June 17 – FP3 and Qualifying
Conditions: A cloudy and rainy day expected with a chance of intense showers along with light winds at various times. FP3: 63°F // Q: 66°F
Maximum temperature expected: 68 Fahrenheit
Minimum temperature expected: 57 Fahrenheit
Chance of rain: 80%

Sunday, June 18 – Race Weather
Conditions: Sunday is expected to be much improved but expect a mix of showers and some sunny spells throughout the day. Race: 73°F
Maximum temperature expected: 73 Fahrenheit
Minimum temperature expected: 57 Fahrenheit
Chance of rain: 40%

More Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Race Information

The race will run for 70 laps. The current lap record holder is Valtteri Bottas who set a 1:13.078 in 2019 during his stent with Mercedes. Coverage for the race weekend begins at 1:30pm EST in the USA for Free Practice 1 on ESPN.

Full event schedule can be found here: Formula 1 German Grand Prix Weekend Schedule

For more information on the circuit visit : Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve