Marko shocking reveal: Horner was not a fan of Nyck de Vries
Red Bull's Helmut Marko admits Christian Horner's reservations about Nyck de Vries joining AlphaTauri may have been valid. Despite a promising start in Monza, De Vries' performance in the 2023 F1 season has yet to meet expectations.
De Vries in AlphaTauri: not Horner's choice
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed Christian Horner's lack of enthusiasm towards signing Nyck de Vries for the AlphaTauri team, expressing a growing sentiment that Horner might have been correct in his assessment.
De Vries was catapulted onto the F1 radar after his notable performance at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, subbing for Alex Albon.
Despite Horner's reservations, Marko's support paved the way for De Vries' 2023 season seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri.
"Sometimes we have differing views on driver signings," Marko acknowledged on The Inside Line podcast, highlighting the De Vries decision.
"The team management and the team principal, it’s a common decision."
"Not often [does he disagree with Christian Horner], but sometimes we do. The last one, I would say, is Nyck de Vries."
Schumacher vs de Vries: Marko stands by his choice
Outgoing AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost had a different teammate in mind for Tsunoda: Mick Schumacher.
Schumacher, however, a long-standing member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, did not align with AlphaTauri's identity as Red Bull's junior team.
Defending the choice of De Vries, Marko clarified, "De Vries is different to Schumacher in that he had just one race, very successful in Monza, so he could fit into our philosophy."
Horner's concerns Justified?
As it stands, De Vries has been unable to sustain his Monza momentum, falling short in matching Tsunoda's performance.
Consequently, AlphaTauri finds itself last in the Constructors' standings, and De Vries, alongside Williams' rookie Logan Sargeant, remains without a point.
Reflecting on the current situation, Marko somberly concluded, "At the moment, it looks like he [Christian Horner] was right… He was not a fan of Nyck de Vries.
Looking Forward
With the 2023 season progressing, De Vries and AlphaTauri are under increasing pressure to turn their fortunes around.
Horner's initial reservations about De Vries, initially overruled, appear to have been well-founded.
As speculations mount, Daniel Ricciardo might be in line to take De Vries' seat next season.
This possibility was alluded to by Marko in an interview with ORF.
“We will have Ricciardo in the car for three days after Silverstone at the tyre test and then you can evaluate where Ricciardo really stands."
This might suggest Ricciardo is currently being evaluated for his potential return.
Comments ()