Pink Bull boss Helmut Marko has solid additional doubt over Nyck de Vries’ future with AlphaTauri after admitting Christian Horner was proper to have reservations about signing him.
De Vries was signed to Pink Bull’s junior workforce after a formidable points-scoring end on his F1 debut at last year’s Italian Grand Prix whereas deputising for Williams’ Alex Albon.
The Dutch driver has had an underwhelming begin along with his new workforce this 12 months and there have been experiences final month that Marko, the pinnacle of the Pink Bull programme and the individual believed to have probably the most sway over driver choices, had given him an ultimatum to enhance in time for the Spanish Grand Prix.
That race has come and gone with De Vries nonetheless within the seat however Marko has urged he’s nonetheless not satisfied the Dutch driver is the proper individual for the function.
Requested on The Inside Line podcast if he and Pink Bull boss Horner typically disagree about signings, Marko stated: “Not typically, however generally we do. The final one… I’d say de Vries.
“Mainly it is AlphaTauri, however we’re a giant household and we get opinions. He [Horner] was not a fan of De Vries. I’d say in the mean time it seems like he was proper.”
Sources have instructed ESPN that Daniel Ricciardo is open to a return to AlphaTauri, however shouldn’t be keen to take action till subsequent season. Eight-time race winner Ricciardo is presently taking a 12 months out as Pink Bull’s third driver.
Final week, F1.com reported that AlphaTauri have stated a seat is accessible for Ricciardo subsequent season if he desires it — Marko’s feedback recommend De Vries could be within the firing line.
Though De Vries’ teammate Yuki Tsunoda has had a blended profession since becoming a member of AlphaTauri in 2021, his kind this season has been a lot improved.
