AlphaTauri on the verge of cutting ties with Nyck de Vries after a disappointing start to the season

AlphaTauri currently sit at the bottom of the constructors' championship after scoring a meagre 2 points.

AlphaTauri driver Nyck de Vries (Image credit: GPFans)

Red Bull has developed a reputation for being uncompromising regarding their drivers. It appears that this trend might continue this year too. There are indications that AlphaTauri, a team closely associated with Red Bull, is considering possibly parting ways with Nyck de Vries. According to AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost, the Dutchman could be replaced by Red Bull junior driver Liam Lawson.

Franz Tost mentioned that, during his conversation with reporters before the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix, he conveyed that the decision regarding Nyck’s future rests with Nyck himself and not the team. He further explained that if Nyck demonstrates good performance, there would be no reason to replace him.

Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, he said: “Nyck decides. Not the team. If Nyck shows a good performance, why should we change him?”

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Nyck de Vries had a strong reputation for winning championships in Formula 2 and Formula E. When he joined the team, he made an even bigger impact after he performed remarkably well as a last-minute replacement for Williams at Monza in 2022. However, 2023 has not turned out to be a successful one for De Vries. Thus far, he has been unable to secure any points for AlphaTauri.

Also read: “He has struggled a lot,” Yuki Tsunoda urges Nyck de Vries to ‘to put it all together’ to save F1 seat

Red Bull’s Liam Lawson emerges as a strong contender to replace faltering Nyck de Vries

Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson (Image credit: Motorsport.com)

According to The Race, it is probable that Liam Lawson will make his Formula 1 debut with Red Bull. The New Zealand driver has previous experience testing F1 cars and participating in practice sessions. In terms of actual racing, he has been delivering impressive performances in the current season of the Japanese Super Formula championship.

Frans Tost mentioned Liam’s good performance in Abu Dhabi last year and recognized his current performance in the challenging Super Formula series. They expressed the need to evaluate his progress further and mentioned the availability of other interesting articles or topics.

? | BREAKING: According to SkySports F1's Simon Lazenby, Helmut Marko has given Nyck De Vries *four* races to make solid progress or he could be replaced after the summer break.

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— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) June 30, 2023

“Liam has done a good job when he was driving for us last year in Abu Dhabi. He is currently also doing a good job in Japan because it’s quite a tough championship over there. It’s a performance question. We have to find out,” Franz Tost further continued.