Marko made Ricciardo promise: 'Drive well and De Vries’ seat is free'

Helmut Marko has opened up about Daniel Ricciardo's comeback in Formula 1. The Australian will replace Nyck de Vries, who has been sacked from AlphaTauri. Marko had already discussed the plan with Ricciardo, he told F1 Insider.

Helmut Marko explains that Ricciardo already knew a seat at AlphaTauri would beckon, provided he performed well during the tyre test. It was a stress test, so to speak: "He knew he would get the seat if he did well, and he passed that stress test with very well."

According to the Austrian, the Australian's arrival is also a chance to further test Yuki Tsunoda. After all, from now on the Japanese rides alongside a proven Grand Prix winner, who showed during the tyre test at Silverstone that he can still be fast. "Daniel is now the benchmark of our junior, Tsunoda," said Marko.

In Hungary, the Australian will race his first Grand Prix since Abu Dhabi 2022, when he drove at McLaren. After an unhappy spell at the British side, Ricciardo returned home. At Red Bull, he acted as a test and reserve driver, which has now earned him a seat in Formula 1.