Nyck de Vries receives a vote of confidence from Max Verstappen amidst brutal Helmut Marko criticism

Nyck de Vries' struggles in F1 deepen as he qualifies last for the Austrian GP.

Nyck de Vries and Max Verstappen (Image credit: Daily Express)

Dutch driver Nyck de Vries has been under tremendous pressure in recent times. Helmut Marko, the chief advisor of Red Bull, expressed regret over signing him to AlphaTauri. He also mentioned that Christian Horner never favored his inclusion from the beginning. Nonetheless, Max Verstappen, two-time world champion, recently provided de Vries with a reassuring gesture of support.

According to formula1.com, Verstappen conveyed to Nyck de Vries that, ultimately, the opinions of people in higher positions hold little significance. He emphasized the importance of learning from one’s weekends and mistakes, as everyone does. Max advised Nyck to focus on improving by gaining better car control and feeling more comfortable.

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what people above you say,” said Max Verstappen. “It’s about how then you learn from your weekends, learn from your mistakes like we all do. Just get on top of the car a little bit more, feel a bit more comfortable,” he continued.

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Amidst a tough phase for de Vries, his place is threatened by Red Bull’s young talents and Daniel Ricciardo. Speculations even suggest a mid-season replacement. However, Max Verstappen, a fellow Dutchman, aimed to ease his fellow countrymen’s nerves ahead of the Austrian GP.

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

Daniel Ricciardo emerges as a potential threat to Nyck De Vries’ seat

Horner and Ricciardo — Christian Horner and Daniel Ricciardo (Credits: Getty)

Nyck De Vries, with F2 and Formula E titles to his name, couldn’t replicate his success in Formula 1. Despite an impressive debut for Williams in 2022, Helmut Marko’s belief clashed with Christian Horner’s opposition to De Vries joining AlphaTauri. In hindsight, Marko admitted Horner was right, regretting not following his advice.

Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo, who parted ways with McLaren at the end of last year, emerges as a perfect candidate to replace the struggling Dutchman. Daniel Ricciardo’s upcoming participation in a three-day Pirelli tire test at Silverstone has raised concerns for Nyck De Vries. Helmut Marko has openly stated that he will closely evaluate Ricciardo’s performance during the test.

? | 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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It remains uncertain whether Red Bull will decide to replace Nyck De Vries in the AlphaTauri seat, a move they have made with several drivers in the past. As the Austrian GP approaches, De Vries will hope to secure his first points of the season. The former F2 champion is currently at P19 in the drivers’ standings. Logan Sargeant remains the only other driver not to score points this season.