F1 News: Charles Leclerc Criticises Red Bull - "Too Harsh On Nyck de Vries"
Charles Leclerc has revealed that he was saddened by the sacking of Nyck de Vries by AlphaTauri. The 28-year-old driver was signed as a replacement for Pierre Gasly but his contract was ended abruptly after 10 races since he failed to score a point for the team.
Red Bull Racing third driver Daniel Ricciardo has been appointed as de Vries' replacement and is all set to make his 2023 racing debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.
Addressing the media on Thursday at the Hungaroring, Scuderia Ferrari driver Leclerc has expressed grief on the immediate ousting of de Vries. He said:
“I don’t know, I think it’s obviously very difficult for Nyck [de Vries]. I sent him a text yesterday because I’m sure that it’s a difficult one to take.
"I’m sad. I think it’s too harsh for Nyck, but obviously also happy to see Daniel [Ricciardo] back in the paddock. It’s part of Formula 1 but it’s true that it’s very harsh for Nyck.”
Max Verstappen shares similar sentiments about his 'friend' Nyck while also being glad about the return of his former teammate Ricciardo. He said:
“I spoke already quite a bit with Daniel last week, I could see he was very excited also after driving our car. So of course it’s great to have Daniel back on the grid [and] within the family.
"Of course, on the other side, I’m also good friends with Nyck so it’s also sad to see him go. But unfortunately, that’s also how this world works. I don’t think there are any hard feelings between the drivers, that’s just how it goes.
“But you have to move on. There are a lot of other opportunities out there – it’s not only Formula 1 in this world of racing – so I’m sure everyone will land back on [their] feet like normal.
"You move on and now the opportunity is here with Daniel again. He had his little reset – I think including Vegas – so I think he’s ready to go again."
Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas too has been shocked by Red Bull's sudden decision but says this has been done before by them. Bottas also predicts that the first few races of the season for Ricciardo may not be smooth as it has been an "intense season." He said:
“Quite surprised, actually. I’ve been following [whether] there’s been talks or not but I thought it was quite sudden and already before the summer break.
"But it’s not the first time Red Bull has made decisions like this and they obviously follow their view, what is the best.
"Obviously, really shame for Nyck. It was quite a short first rookie season unfortunately, but also then it’s nice for Daniel. He clearly wants to be back and now he’s got to use [the] opportunity. That’s F1 sometimes, pretty cut throat.
“I don’t think it’s going to be an easy first couple of races for him because it’s been an intense season – everyone’s really used to the cars, the gaps are small – but he’s a good driver so for sure he will figure it out at some point. But let’s see.”