Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has jumped to the defence of ex-AlphaTauri driver Nyck de Vries, who has been replaced by Daniel Ricciardo for the remainder of 2023.
Whilst it had been heavily speculated during the British Grand Prix, it was announced by AlphaTauri and Red Bull on Tuesday that Ricciardo would be taking the rookie’s place, starting at the Hungarian Grand Prix next weekend.
Ricciardo was taking part in a Pirelli tyre test for Red Bull when the driver change was confirmed, with the Aussie having impressed the Austrians at Silverstone.
The 33-year-old’s best time at Silverstone on Tuesday would’ve put him on the front row of the grid, suggesting that the fan favourite has rediscovered his speed.
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Whilst many, including Croft, think it’ll be “nice” for Ricciardo to return to the grid, the commentator is convinced that De Vries wasn’t given enough time.
AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost has often stated that a rookie driver needs three seasons to show their potential – De Vries was given just 10 races.
The Dutchman has endured a turbulent first half of the season which has seen the driver make several mistakes; however, De Vries’ recent performances have been more promising.
Whilst he failed to score a point in the opening 10 races, he had started to show better pace compared to team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.
Despite this, De Vries was beaten by his Japanese team-mate in eight of the opening 10 races.
Perhaps being an older rookie driver meant Red Bull and AlphaTauri had greater expectations, with time certainly having been against De Vries at 28 years old.
10 races though seemingly isn’t enough time to really settle into the sport, especially in the worst car on the grid.
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This is a view shared by Croft, who doesn’t feel like De Vries was “given enough time” to show his true potential.
“DANIEL RICCIARDO ON LOAN TO SCUDERIA ALPHATAURI FOR REMAINDER OF 2023 SEASON 1st race will be Hungary next week,” wrote Croft on Twitter following the official announcement.
“Can’t help think that however nice it will be to have Daniel back on the grid, Nyck wasn’t given enough to time to show what he can do – 10 races!”