Eight-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo to replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri from Hungarian Grand Prix onwards

Daniel Ricciardo will replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri with immediate effect and will make a dramatic return at the Hungarian Grand Prix, it has been confirmed.

The Australian had been without a seat after his underwhelming two-year stint at McLaren came to an end with compatriot Oscar Piastri taking his place.

He had to settle for being the third driver at Red Bull for 2023 as a reserve to world champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

But now he is preparing for a full return as De Vries’ replacement after the Dutchman failed to score a point in 10 races this year, his best finish coming in Monaco where he placed 12th, while team-mate Yuki Tsunoda has just two points.

The British Grand Prix proved to be De Vries’ final race in the colours of AlphaTauri, and Ricciardo – an eight-time race winner – will be representing the team at the Hungarian GP on Sunday, July 23.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team,” said AlphaTauri’s team principal, Franz Tost.

“There’s no doubt about his driving skills, and he already knows many of us, so his integration will be easy and straight forward. The team will also profit a lot from his experience, as he is an eight-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner.

“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 added: “I’m stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family!”

“I’m really enjoying this year and I think I’ll continue to enjoy it, but by next year I think I’ll certainly be eager to get back on the grid and compete,” Ricciardo told Sky Sports.

“I feel like there is still some unfinished business.

“I know I’ll be ready to put myself in a position to be back on the grid next year.

“I am staying in shape. I’m giving myself a bit of mental time out but I love playing sports and I love being active, so I haven’t allowed myself to get too out of shape.”

De Vries was promoted to Formula 1 in the winter of 2022/2023 after becoming Formula 2 champion and Formula E world champion.