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    The Race F1 Podcast

    Ricciardo's return: Why AlphaTauri turned to him after dumping De Vries

    Tue Jul 11 2023
    Red BullDriver SwapDaniel RicciardoAlphaTauriYuki SonodaSergio PerezNick De Vries

    Description

    Red Bull's recent driver swap, replacing Nick DeVries with Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, has sparked controversy and speculation. Ricciardo's performance in the AlphaTauri car will be closely watched, as he aims to prove himself and potentially secure a top seat in the future. This move also presents an opportunity for Yuki Sonoda to establish himself as a strong driver. Sergio Perez should be concerned about Ricciardo's return, as it puts pressure on him within the team. The decision to drop DeVries has been criticized for lacking rationale and undermining Red Bull's young driver program. Future changes in Red Bull's driver strategy may be necessary to avoid chaotic and disorganized swaps.

    Insights

    Ricciardo's Return Adds Excitement

    Daniel Ricciardo's return to Formula One is highly anticipated and adds excitement to the season. His presence on the grid for the Las Vegas race will have commercial significance.

    Sonoda's Opportunity

    Yuki Sonoda now faces a new benchmark in Daniel Ricciardo and has the opportunity to establish himself as a strong driver if he performs well against him.

    Controversy Surrounding De Vries' Departure

    The decision to drop Nick De Vries from AlphaTauri after just 10 races has been criticized for lacking rationale and undermining Red Bull's young driver program.

    Red Bull's Chaotic Driver Swaps

    Red Bull's approach to measuring and recruiting drivers has been scattered compared to other top F1 teams, leading to chaotic and disorganized driver swaps.

    High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy

    Red Bull's recent driver swap was a high-risk, high-reward strategy that resulted in Daniel Ricciardo joining AlphaTauri. The outcome happened quicker than expected.

    Chapters

    1. Red Bull's Driver Swap
    2. Ricciardo's Performance in AlphaTauri
    3. Ricciardo's Return and Sonoda's Opportunity
    4. Pressure on Perez and Red Bull's Driver Strategy
    5. Controversy Surrounding De Vries' Departure
    6. Red Bull's Driver Strategy and Future Changes
    Summary
    Transcript

    Red Bull's Driver Swap

    00:02 - 07:30

    • Red Bull has ousted Nick DeVries after just 10 races
    • Liam Lawson might be the driver that Red Bull wants at AlphaTauri in the long term
    • The announcement disrupted the podcast hosts' plans for a pleasant pub lunch
    • The last time Red Bull did an in-season driver swap was in 2019 with Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly
    • Daniel Ricciardo had previously expressed no interest in driving an uncompetitive car
    • Ricciardo's circumstances have changed, and he is now determined to come back to F1
    • Ricciardo sees this move as a chance to prove himself and potentially secure a top seat in the future
    • The fact that the car is not competitive isn't a problem if Ricciardo can show his skills and drive it confidently

    Ricciardo's Performance in AlphaTauri

    07:04 - 13:11

    • Daniel Ricciardo's performance in the AlphaTauri car will be interesting to watch due to its limitations and challenges.
    • If Ricciardo struggles again in a different car, it becomes more than just a specific set of circumstances.
    • Ricciardo needs to get comfortable quickly and beat Yuki Sonoda to boost his chances.
    • The positive tire test for Red Bull may not be as significant as it seems, and what matters is how Ricciardo performs in the AlphaTauri car.
    • Ricciardo's return is good news for Formula One as he is a star name and adds excitement to the season.
    • His presence on the grid for the Las Vegas race will have commercial significance.
    • Choosing Ricciardo over Liam Lawson has off-track reasons, including marketing and commercial benefits.
    • Sporting performance is ultimately the key factor, and it is expected that Ricciardo will do well in the AlphaTauri car.

    Ricciardo's Return and Sonoda's Opportunity

    12:42 - 19:03

    • Ricardo's return to Formula One is expected to be a positive decision.
    • There is anticipation that Ricardo will perform better than his previous stint with McLaren.
    • Ricardo has been a superb driver in the past, with strong performances in 2014 and 2016.
    • It will be interesting to closely monitor Ricardo's progress in upcoming races.
    • Ricardo's return also presents an interesting situation for Yuki Sonoda.
    • Sonoda had previously outperformed his teammate De Vries and now faces a new benchmark in Ricardo.
    • If Sonoda can match or beat Ricardo, it would greatly enhance his value in Formula One.
    • Sonoda has shown improvement this season and has been consistent despite limitations of the car.
    • This opportunity for Sonoda could further establish him as a strong driver if he performs well against Ricardo.

    Pressure on Perez and Red Bull's Driver Strategy

    18:48 - 25:48

    • Indochino offers custom fitted suits and clothing for formal events at an affordable price.
    • Sergio Perez should be worried about Daniel Ricciardo's return to Red Bull Racing.
    • Ricciardo has expressed his desire to return to Red Bull and may see AlphaTauri as a stepping stone.
    • Perez's current underperformance could make him vulnerable to losing his seat.
    • Red Bull insists on supporting Perez, but Ricciardo sees an opportunity to impress and take the seat.
    • Ricciardo's presence in AlphaTauri indirectly puts pressure on Perez within the team.
    • Red Bull may indirectly apply pressure on Sergio Perez by having Daniel Ricciardo in another garage, creating a groundswell of support for Ricciardo.
    • Perez's Sunday performances are not at the level required to drop him, but if he returns to his earlier form, he has nothing to worry about.
    • If Ricciardo starts performing well and picking up good results, it could have an effect on Perez's position.
    • The performance of Perez, Ricciardo, and Yuki Tsunoda will ultimately determine their fate at Red Bull.

    Controversy Surrounding De Vries' Departure

    25:21 - 43:20

    • Nick De Vries was dropped after only 10 races, and the way it was communicated lacked class and respect.
    • It is unfair to judge De Vries based on such a short period of time and limited testing opportunities.
    • De Vries is a solid professional racing driver but not a lost mega talent from F1.
    • The decision to drop Nick DeFries from AlphaTauri after 10 races seems hasty and lacks rationale.
    • DeFries' performances have been middling, not stunning but not terrible either.
    • The whole strategy with drivers at AlphaTauri seems flawed and poorly managed.
    • Getting rid of DeFries before the summer break avoids axing him during his home Grand Prix in Zandvoort.
    • Red Bull's recruitment process and management under Helmut Marko is impulsive and flawed.
    • Franz Tost's support for drivers needing more time contradicts the quick decision to drop DeFries.
    • This move undermines Red Bull's young driver program and shows a lack of faith in their junior drivers like Liam Lawson.
    • Red Bull's approach to measuring drivers and recruiting them seems scattered compared to other top F1 teams.
    • Despite being dropped, DeFries should be able to find opportunities in other racing series.
    • Nick De Vries is likely to land on his feet and continue his professional career after being dropped by the team.
    • De Vries had a brief stint in Formula One, but at least he got the opportunity to compete.
    • Rebel Racing has a history of swapping drivers during the season, with De Vries being the latest victim.
    • Comparing De Vries' performances to previous drivers who were dropped, it is difficult to determine if he was more or less fortunate.
    • The team's approach to driver swaps has been chaotic and disorganized in recent years.
    • De Vries' technical feedback was highly regarded, but there may have been issues with his approach that didn't align with the team's expectations.
    • Overall, it was not surprising that De Vries' time with Rebel Racing ended this way, as he may not have lived up to superstar expectations.
    • De Vries took the AlphaTauri opportunity for its high upside potential, even though it didn't work out as expected.
    • Despite this setback, there will be future opportunities for De Vries in racing.

    Red Bull's Driver Strategy and Future Changes

    42:51 - 44:51

    • The decision to move the driver was a high-risk, high-reward strategy.
    • The outcome happened quicker than expected.
    • There will be more driver changes in the future unless there are some changes within the team.
    • Red Bull may need to adopt a more measured and controlled approach in the future.
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