Fittipaldi Gives His View On AlphaTauri Driver Change

Harry Sadoun Sports Betting Expert

2 minute read

The F1 world got its first driver change of the season as AlphaTauri have reportedly parted ways with Nyck de Vries. The rookie driver came in with high expectations based on his standing as an F2 champion and his performance in F1 when he stood in for Alex Albon at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix and finished ninth in the race.

De Vries failed to score a single point in the 10 races he participated in the 2023 season. He failed to finish a race twice and his best finish was twelfth at Monaco.

The Dutchman’s future was in doubt with Red Bull driver development head, Helmut Marko, making public statements about the need for de Vries to improve his performances.

There is no confirmation as to who will replace de Vries but Daniel Ricciardo’s name has been heavily linked. The Australian, who has won eight grands prix in his F1 career, is currently the reserve driver for Red Bull, having lost his seat at McLaren after a disappointing 2022 season.

We got a few words from F1 icon Emerson Fittipaldi on AlphaTauri’s decision to let go of de Vries as well as his thoughts on Ricciardo possibly replacing him.

Teams Know What They’re Doing When They Change Drivers

Fittipaldi stated that F1 teams know what they’re doing and why they’re making that decision when they change drivers. He also added that driver changes are a part of the sport and can happen anytime.

"A decision from the team, they know what they're doing and why they're doing."

"The most important thing is that they want to change drivers, it can happen anytime."

"Nyck de Vries is also a good driver but sometimes it's the decision of the team to try a different driver. That's a part of the sport."

Daniel Ricciardo Will Do A Good Job At AlphaTauri

The double F1 World Champion believes that if Ricciardo joins AlphaTauri, he’ll do a good job. Fittipaldi highlighted his qualities as a professional and also expressed that he felt lucky to associate with the Australian when he was at McLaren.

"I like Daniel Ricciardo a lot. He's an incredible professional, very experienced now and has been fast."

"If Daniel goes to AlphaTauri, I'm sure he's going to do a good job."

"I was lucky in the last few years to associate with Daniel at McLaren. He has a very good personality. He's good."

Image Credits: IMAGO / Eibner

Harry Sadoun

Harry Sadoun is a seasoned sports betting expert with a wealth of experience in the iGaming and sports betting industry. Over the past 5 years, he has established himself as a go-to source for insightful analysis and predictions at Vegasinsider. With a passion for sports, Harry specializes in football, basketball, tennis, rugby, and soccer, showcasing a diverse understanding of athletic competitions. Harry's unique approach to sports betting is rooted in a combination of statistical analysis, in-depth research, and a keen understanding of the dynamics that influence game outcomes. His expert opinions and strategic insights have made him a trusted voice in the industry, guiding both novice and seasoned bettors alike. With an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information, Harry Sadoun continues to be a prominent figure in the world of sports betting, providing enthusiasts with the tools they need to make informed decisions. More from Harry Sadoun