Lewis Hamilton ‘surprised’ by Red Bull decision to axe Nyck De Vries
Lewis Hamilton has criticised Red Bull’s decision to axe Nyck De Vries after just 10 races. Daniel Ricciardo has been handed a second chance in Formula One, replacing De Vries at Red Bull’s junior team AlphaTauri for the concluding dozen rounds of the year, starting at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. De Vries, 28, crashed on multiple occasions and failed to score a single point, with a best finish of 12th in Monaco, before he was handed his marching orders by Red Bull’s ruthless motorsport adviser Helmut Marko 48 hours after he finished 17th and last at the British Grand Prix. “I am not surprised to see Daniel back but I was surprised to see the decision they took for poor Nyck,” said Hamilton at the Hungaroring. “He is such a talented young man and a nice guy. The future is bright for him and there will be opportunities for the future. But that is how Red Bull do it.” When it was suggested to Hamilton that De Vries’ dismissal is a reminder of how F1 works, the seven-time world champion replied: “I would say that is how Red Bull work.” Ricciardo’s career looked to be all but over after he was dumped by McLaren following two underwhelming seasons with the British team. But the popular 34-year-old impressed in a test at Silverstone for Red Bull last Tuesday, and given Sergio Perez’s torrid run of form – which has seen him fall 99 points adrift of team-mate Max Verstappen – AlphaTauri’s move to hire the Australian will fuel speculation that he could land a return to the team which carried him to seven of his eight victories. Speaking at the world champions’ packed motorhome earlier on Thursday, Ricciardo said: “The dream is a Red Bull seat, but there is no ‘this is what you need to do’ to achieve that. “Given what has happened over the past few years and taking time off, I knew it would be hard to get back in at the top. “Of course that was my wish, but you need to be realistic, and if I want to get back into Red Bull it will be a process, and this is the best path for me at the moment. Ricciardo’s reputation in the sport is on the line following his poor period with McLaren which saw the British team move to cancel his contract. Ricciardo failed to land a seat for the 2023 campaign and instead elected to return to Red Bull as a reserve driver. But he might struggle to impress with a team currently rooted to the foot of the constructors’ table, taking just two points all season. However, Ricciardo added: “Over the past few years, I started falling into a trap where I believed the car does not suit me and you can be your own worst enemy. I know this car will have limitations but I will work with that. “Getting this opportunity is a chance to make things better. That is why I am excited to get back behind the wheel and show my true self. “I had enough time off to reset and also enjoy it again. Six months ago, I wasn’t at a place to jump at an opportunity like this but that has been the luxury of time. “I have fallen in love with it again and I feel myself in an environment that provides me with a lot of nostalgia, so when the opportunity came along it was like, ‘let’s try it’.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Daniel Ricciardo dreaming of Red Bull return ahead of F1 comeback How does Max Verstappen and Red Bull compare to the greats of Formula One? Lando Norris ‘honoured’ to join Lewis Hamilton in battle for Formula One glory
1970-01-01 08:00
American swimmer Regan Smith bounces back after dealing with letdown following world records
Regan Smith raced to the top of the swimming world while still in her teens
1970-01-01 08:00
Tim Hardaway Sr. Thinks Bol Bol Is Better Than Victor Wembanyama
A wild statement.
1970-01-01 08:00
Presumed Beethoven skull fragments return to Vienna
Skull fragments, presumed to be from Ludwig van Beethoven, have returned to Vienna, where the legendary 19th century German composer...
1970-01-01 08:00
Fulham set Aleksandar Mitrovic valuation in attempt to stave off Saudi Arabia interest
Fulham standing firm over their valuation of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic amid interest from Saudi Arabia and will not sell for less than £60m.
1970-01-01 08:00
Bosnian Serb lawmakers pass law recriminalizing libel which critics say threatens free speech
The Bosnian Serb parliament has passed a law recriminalizing libel which critics say will restrict freedom of expression and silence critical media
1970-01-01 08:00
Kerr's Women's World Cup in doubt, but she still helps inspire Australia to win against Ireland
Australia got off to a winning start at the Women’s World Cup by beating Ireland 1-0 despite the absence of star striker Sam Kerr
1970-01-01 08:00
Ricciardo says lure of 'fairy tale' ending led to AlphaTauri return
Daniel Ricciardo on Thursday explained how the lure of a fairy tale ending lured him to return and race for struggling AlphaTauri at...
1970-01-01 08:00
BRICS currency not on August summit agenda - South African official
By Rachel Savage and Carien du Plessis JOHANNESBURG A BRICS currency will not be on the agenda of
1970-01-01 08:00
Russia's Wagner mercenaries launch joint training with Belarusian military near Poland's border
Mercenaries from Russia’s military company Wagner have launched joint drills with the Belarusian military almost a month after their short-lived rebellion
1970-01-01 08:00
Is Mets best option with Pete Alonso a trade or long-term extension?
'The Polar Bear' Pete Alonso, while divisive on social media, is one of the most popular New York Mets. However, he's batting just .203 this season. What should the Mets do with him, long-term?Pete Alonso gets roasted on social media for his 'cringe' Home Run Derby antic...
1970-01-01 08:00
'Superpowered: The DC Story' shows how all roads lead to Superman and Batman
The Max docuseries wades through 85 years of comics history in just three parts. The voyage, in print and on the screen, comes at a crossroads for DC, one that suggests all paths usually lead back to Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
1970-01-01 08:00
