“Don’t Like This at All”: Max Verstappen & Co. Face Criticism From Fans as Daniel Ricciardo Replaces Nyck De Vries at AlphaTauri

Daniel Ricciardo replacing Nyck de Vries – a bitter pill to swallow or a necessary move? A driver’s seat is often as hot as the tires on race day, with changes imminent at the smallest sign of underperformance. The latest shake-up proves to be no exception as fans across the globe express their discontent over Max Verstappen & Co.’s surprising decision. “Don’t like this at all” is the common refrain echoing amongst fans as Nyck de Vries is being ousted in favor of Daniel Ricciardo, effective immediately, starting from the Hungarian Grand Prix. Yes, the Honey Badger is back.

De Vries’s abrupt exit from AlphaTauri after a rough season was the handiwork of Marko, who had been openly displeased with the Dutchman’s performance. Despite being hailed as a ‘fighter’ and a former Formula 2 champion, de Vries’s failure to garner points in ten races led Helmut Marko to express regret over De Vries’s recruitment. The lack of support from the management compounded with his underwhelming performance took a toll on de Vries’s F1 journey.

After a disheartening stint at McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo made a return to his old stomping grounds as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull this season. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as he showcased impressive speed and adaptability during the Silverstone testing. The seven-time Grand Prix winner didn’t just satisfy the technical goals of these tests but seemed to rekindle a spark that reminded many of his past glory days.

The sheer passion and dedication he displayed, combined with his significant contributions in the simulator and a captivating personality, likely tipped the scales in his favor. The announcement of his reinstatement for the Hungarian Grand Prix reaffirms that Ricciardo is indeed back in the F1 fray, set to pit his skills and experience against AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda.

“At least Give him a Full Season…”: Fans Rally for Nyck de Vries amid Daniel Ricciardo Return

The initial part of De Vries’ journey at AlphaTauri saw him contributing significantly with his experience and feedback. However, as the 2023 season progressed, his performance in the AT04 car became a matter of concern. The turning point was perhaps when he failed to get past Q2 in the 10 races. His top result for AlphaTauri is P12. A streak of underperformance did not go unnoticed by Red Bull, known as the most inconsistent seat on the grid. Verstappen & Co. found themselves facing intense criticism as they’re known to kill rookie careers by emphasizing nothing but excellence from the get-go. But the prevailing sentiment was one of disappointment, as fans believed de Vries deserved more time to prove himself on the track.

Read more: Just Hours After Being Given Comeback Hopes, Daniel Ricciardo’s Dreams Mercilessly Shattered With a Cruel Reality Check

The supporters took to social media platforms, raising their voices against Red Bull‘s management’s decision.

What are your thoughts about this sudden shake-up in AlphaTauri and Ricciardo coming back?

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