Earlier on Tuesday, it was revealed that De Vries had been fired after only 10 Grands Prix, following a dismal start to his F1 career with the Italian team.
AlphaTauri has confirmed De Vries’ departure and revealed that Red Bull’s third driver, Ricciardo, will replace him for the duration of the 2023 season.
“Scuderia AlphaTauri announces that Daniel Ricciardo will be joining the team on loan from Red Bull Racing for the remainder of the Formula 1 season, starting from the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix,” the team said in a press release.
“I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team,” said team manager Franz Tost. “There is no dispute about his driving abilities, and he already knows many of us, so his integration will be simple and straightforward. The team will also benefit greatly from his experience, since he has won eight Formula One Grand Prix.
“I would like to thank Nyck for his valuable contribution during his time with Scuderia AlphaTauri and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Ricciardo returned to the Red Bull family as a third driver after losing his McLaren job at the conclusion of last year, one year before his contract expired.
The 34-year-old Australian chose to take a break to replenish his batteries after a hard time with the Woking team, but he has been remaining race ready, having completed his first test with the current Red Bull RB19 on Tuesday.
Ricciardo has now been given 12 races at AlphaTauri to prove to Red Bull that he has been able to rehabilitate himself following his 2022 leave, with the possibility of battling Sergio Perez for the Red Bull slot with Max Verstappen.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “It’s great to see Daniel hasn’t lost any form while away from racing, and that the progress he’s made in his sim sessions is translating on track.”
“His times in the tyre test were very competitive. It was a fantastic drive, and we are anxious to see what the rest of the season holds for Daniel on loan at Scuderia AlphaTauri.”
Ricciardo formerly drove for AlphaTauri’s Toro Rosso division in 2012 and 2013, before being promoted to Red Bull’s main team.
